Should Disney Be Held Accountable for the Recent Death of Lane Graves?

The tragic story of Lane Graves – the toddler who was recently pulled into a lake by an alligator on a Disney resort beach, resulting in his death – raises a question of Disney’s liability and whether the resort did enough to prevent the attack. The following explores Disney’s negligence and contribution to the accident, if any, as well as premises liability and potential recovery for Lane Graves’ family.

Disney Alligator Attack – Did the Resort Do Enough?

Alligators are a staple of the Florida landscape. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that there are about 1.3 million alligators in the state. The department further reminds residents and visitors to the state that alligators are dangerous creatures, and that humans should exercise care around water.

The site of Graves’ attack had signs up that warned against swimming in the water (the young child had waded into the water at the time of the attack). However, there was no signage that specifically addressed the presence of alligators. Further, the attack occurred on a well-tended area of beach at a manmade pond – the Seven Seas Lagoon. The “lagoon” is located just outside of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Whether Disney could have done more to prevent the attack is being investigated, with an official for Disney telling reporters for the Washington Post that the company will thoroughly review the situation. The same Post article also shares that Disney works closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove any nuisance alligators.

The fact that at least one alligator attack has happened on Disney property before – when an 8-year-old boy was bitten by an alligator in 1986 – suggests that Disney had reason to believe that alligators were a threat and could attack, and therefore maybe should have done more to prevent it.

Premises Liability Law and Damages for Lane Graves’ Family

Premises liability laws dictate that the owner of a property is required to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition, inspect for dangerous conditions and take action to correct or warn about hazards. The failure to do so is negligent, and if it results in an injury or death to another, the property owner could be held liable for damages. Damages that may be recoverable for Graves’ family include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and more.

Contact a Premises Liability Attorney Today

Theme parks can be dangerous. Whether facing natural dangers – like alligators – or manmade ones – like roller coasters – it is important to exercise caution and always be aware of risks.

If you or a family member is involved in a theme park accident this summer and you believe that the theme park may be liable, contact the experienced North Carolina premises liability attorneys at the law office of Younce & Vtipil, P.A. Your case evaluation is free.