Alligator attack at issue in property rights suit

By Bill Rankin

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday will hear arguments in a closely watched property rights case involving an 83-year-old woman who was partially eaten by an alligator.

Heirs of Gwyneth Williams, who died in 2007, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against The Landings, the exclusive golf and residential resort on Skidaway Island near Savannah.

The Landings argues that a long-held legal doctrine immunizes landowners from liability involving attacks by wild animals that wander onto someone’s land.

A prior ruling by the state Court of Appeals said the case can go to trial.