Date: October 20, 2011By: Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers

A Georgia homeowners association is taking their case to the Georgia Supreme Court next year, appealing a ruling by the state Court of Appeals that it is liable for the death of one of its residents. The Landings, a posh Georgia residential neighborhood near Savannah, was the scene of a particularly grisly set of events when an 83-year old woman was eaten by an alligator. The woman’s family contends that the homeowners association is liable for the woman’s pain and suffering and her wrongful death under the assumption that they should have done a better job protecting residents in a place where alligators regularly frequent.

In October 2007, 83-year old Gwyneth Williams was house-sitting for her daughter when tragedy struck. While she was on a walk around the neighborhood, an 8-foot alligator attacked and killed her. When she was found floating in the lagoon, she was missing her hands and one of her legs. Trappers later killed the alligator and found Williams’ body parts inside the stomach of the animal. According to the Florida-Times Union, the neighborhood includes 151 man-made lagoons. Maintenance employees or individuals can call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to seek the removal of any alligator over 7 feet long.

Reportedly, the argument by the Williams’ family is summed up by these claims in the lawsuit: “This alligator came out of one of the petitioner’s lagoons. This lagoon was man-made. According to one of the petitioner’s own experts, the alligator was 12 to 25 years old. ...[T]he alligator had been present in the lagoon for a long time, and could have and should have been easily discovered and removed…”

If a loved one has passed away due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of another, it may be possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Though it is impossible for any amount of money to replace the life of a loved one, compensation can provide financial stability and some closure for those the deceased has left behind. An experienced and dedicated Atlanta wrongful death attorney will fight to recognize the incredible value of the life of your lost loved one, and will tirelessly work to seek the highest amount of remuneration possible. 

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Keywords: wrongful death lawsuit, Georgia alligator death