Opinion ID: 1292929
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Did the trial court err in denying Gilbert's motion for directed verdict?

Text: Gilbert contends that the evidence does not support classification of Lane as an invitee and instead only supports classification as a licensee or trespasser. Furthermore, Gilbert argues that there is no evidence to show a breach of the landowner's duty to a licensee or trespasser and therefore, Gilbert is entitled to a directed verdict. We disagree. A motion for directed verdict goes to the entire case and may be granted only when the evidence raises no issue for the jury as to liability. Ecclesiastes Production Ministries v. Outparcel Assoc., LLC, 374 S.C. 483, 490, 649 S.E.2d 494, 497 (Ct.App.2007), citing Carolina Home Builders, Inc. v. Armstrong Furnace Co., 259 S.C. 346, 358, 191 S.E.2d 774, 779 (1972). Under a premises liability theory, a contractor generally equates to an invitor and assumes the same duties that the landowner has, including the duty to warn of dangers or defects known to him but unknown to others. Larimore v. Carolina Power & Light, 340 S.C. 438, 448, 531 S.E.2d 535, 540 (Ct.App.2000). The trial court classified Lane as an invitee. An invitee is a person who enters onto the property of another by express or implied invitation, his entry is connected with the owner's business or with an activity the owner conducts or permits to be conducted on his land, and there is a mutuality of benefit or a benefit to the owner. Singleton v. Sherer, 377 S.C. 185, 199, 659 S.E.2d 196, 204 (Ct.App.2008), quoting Sims v. Giles, 343 S.C. 708, 716-17, 541 S.E.2d 857, 862 (Ct.App. 2001). Gilbert contends that Lane was not an invitee because he had no consent, either express or implied, to be in the courtyard and because his presence in the courtyard was not to the interest or advantage of Gilbert. We find that there was at least implied consent to use the area since it was immediately outside of an emergency exit. Moreover, Lane was at least partly benefiting Gilbert by attempting to have the switchboard disable the automatic alert to the fire department. Lane testified that the fire alarm repeatedly sounded during his shift. Each time the alarm sounded, the alarm system automatically notified the fire department. By instructing the switchboard to place the system in test mode, Lane could ensure that the business of both the Hospital and Gilbert would not be repeatedly interrupted by the sounding of the alarm, unnecessary evacuations, and arrival of fire department personnel. Moreover, even if Lane did not provide a benefit to Gilbert, Gilbert would not be entitled to a directed verdict if Lane were classified as a licensee. A licensee is a person who is privileged to enter upon land by virtue of the possessor's consent. Neil v. Byrum, 288 S.C. 472, 473, 343 S.E.2d 615, 616 (1986). When a licensee enters onto the property of another, the primary benefit is to the licensee, not the property owner. Singleton, 377 S.C. at 198, 659 S.E.2d at 203. A landowner owes a licensee a duty to use reasonable care to discover the licensee, to conduct activities on the land so as not to harm the licensee, and to warn the licensee of any concealed dangerous conditions or activities. Singleton, 377 S.C. at 201, 659 S.E.2d at 204. In our view, the evidence presented at trial raised a jury question as to whether or not Gilbert met the duty owed to Lane as a licensee. Therefore, even assuming Lane was a licensee, the trial judge did not err in denying the motion for a directed verdict. See Ecclesiastes Production Ministries, supra . We find that the trial court properly classified Lane as an invitee. Moreover, even assuming Lane is not an invitee, Gilbert would not be entitled to a directed verdict. Consequently, the trial judge did not err in denying Gilbert's motion for a directed verdict.