Possessor of Land Duty to Discover Hazards In Iowa

The duty owed by a possessor of land to invitees includes an inspection of the premises to discover any dangerous condition or latent defects, "'followed by such repair, safeguards, or warning as may be reasonably necessary for his protection under the circumstance.'" Wieseler v. Sisters of Mercy Health Corp., 540 N.W.2d 445, 450 (quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts 343 cmt. b, at 216 (1965)). The action necessary to satisfy this duty of reasonable care depends upon "the nature of the land and the purposes for which it is used." Richardson, 599 N.W.2d at 697 (quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts 343 cmt. e, at 217 (1965)). The possessor of the land need not expend a significant amount of time and money to discover hazards that may not exist. See Vollmar v. J.C. Penney Co., 251 Iowa 1026, 1030-31, 103 N.W.2d 715, 717-18 (1960) (defendant not liable where discovery of defect would have required careful hand examination of allegedly defective step).