Rowland v. Christian
Supreme Court of California
443 P.2d 561 (Cal. 1968)
Relevant factsFree
Christian (defendant) knew about a cracked bathroom fixture in her home, had asked her landlord to fix it, but never warned her social guest Rowland (plaintiff) about it; the fixture broke and severely cut Rowland's hand, with no evidence the defect was open or obvious to him. The trial court granted Christian summary judgment on the theory that Rowland, as a mere social guest, was barred from recovery by assumption of risk and contributory negligence doctrines tied to his entrant status, and Rowland appealed.
IssueFree
Whether a landowner has a duty to act as a reasonable person under all the circumstances, regardless of an entrant's status as a trespasser, licensee, or invitee.