People can make a claim for damages for their injuries if they can prove that the injuries were caused by the occupier's negligence [Civil Liability Act 1936 (SA) s 20(1)].

In deciding whether the occupier was negligent, a court will consider [s 20(2)]:

Prior to 1987, courts looked very closely at how the person came to be on the land when deciding how careful the occupier had to be. As a result of amendments in 1987 and the High Court decision in Australian Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna (1987) 162 CLR 479; [1987] HCA 7, it is no longer important to classify the injured person as a licensee or invitee. The court will still take into account how the person came to be on the land in deciding how careful the occupier should have been for that person's safety.

If a person is a trespasser, no duty of care is owed [Civil Liability Act 1936 (SA) s 20(6)] unless the person's presence was reasonably foreseeable and the dangers were such that precautions should have been taken.

When the occupier is a friend, they may be willing to admit negligence to help their injured friend, but the occupier must be careful not to breach the conditions of an insurance policy. Many policies contain a term forbidding such admissions. In practice, occupiers should get their own legal advice, even if they are insured.