February 28, 2023
On February 20th, 2023 an 85 year old woman died after being bitten by an alligator while she was walking her dog near a pond located in a St. Lucie County golfing community. First responders were able to recover her body from Spanish Lakes Fairways near Fort Pierce.
Officers of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and deputies of the St. Lucie County Sheriff Department was sent to the area in response to 911 calls from residents who live near and around the pond. Local residents reportedly witnessed the alligator “grabbing her” at which point emergency personnel were called in.
St. Lucie County fire rescue personnel arrived at the scene within minutes to recover her body, around 12:00 pm. They remained on-scene to aid in identification and location of the alligator. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper was able to locate and remove the gator from the pond later that day, around 2:30pm with the help of local fire rescue personnel.
A Spanish Lakes resident who lives near the pond where the tragedy occurred stated that she was familiar with the alligator and it had never demonstrated any aggressive tendencies towards humans.
Alligator-Related Premises Liability & Personal Injury
Unfortunately, alligator attacks are fairly common in the state and this tragic incident only reinforces this notion. When predatory wildlife may unexpectedly attack. Alligators are native to Florida and much of the south east, and due to their prominence, property owners have a legal obligation to display warnings that advise visitors, residents, passers, about the threat of alligator attack.
Alligator attacks can result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial damages to victims and their families. A Vero Beach, FL personal injury lawyer can help these victims in various ways, including:
- Investigating the incident: A personal injury lawyer can investigate the attack to determine the cause, including whether there was any negligence on the part of the property owner or any other party that could be held liable.
- Evaluating damages: A lawyer can assess the extent of the victim’s injuries and damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future medical care needs.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: A lawyer can work with the victim’s insurance company and any other involved parties to negotiate a fair settlement that covers all damages.
- Representing the victim in court: If necessary, a lawyer can represent the victim in court and present their case to a judge or jury.
- Providing legal advice and guidance: A personal injury lawyer can offer legal advice and guidance to help the victim understand their rights and options.
- Gathering evidence: A lawyer can gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and other relevant information to support the victim’s claim.
- Advocating for the victim: A personal injury lawyer can serve as an advocate for the victim and fight for their rights throughout the legal process.
Overall, a lawyer that specializes in personal injury and premises liability, such as those of Tuttle Law, P.A. can be a valuable resource for victims of wildlife attacks, helping them to navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.