I didn’t see the explanation but yes, I am guessing Disney will settle for a large amount and very quickly. The no swimming sign is not enough warning. Disney sponsored an event on a beach, after dark next to a body of water known to be the habitat of alligators. It’s pretty irrelevant weather the boy was in the water or at the edge of the water. He was accessible pray for the alligator either way. Furthermore a British family reported being chased by a large alligator 2 weeks earlier on a nearby beach and they were not in the water. In addition it is said that they notified Disney after their close call. The last thing Disney wants is for this to stay in the press. It will be settled very quickly and things will significantly change along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Imho, they have two options. Either fill in the lagoon, or make it inaccessible to the alligators.
Concur. Disney is notorious for fighting claims and lawsuits and the Mouse usually wins. But this is one case that Disney doesn’t want anywhere near a courtroom.
Given these tragic circumstances, even an ambulance chaser of modest skill could extract a huge jury award—and there are plenty of Central Florida attorneys who have been fighting Disney for years and would love to take this one to court.
And, don’t discount the mass tort crowd trying to find everyone who’s been chased or frightened by a gator at Disney bringing some sort of class action because the company tolerated dangerous, even deadly conditions for years. Doubt the plantiffs would see very much in way of a a settlement, but the lawyers really aren’t concerned, since they get the first cut of any settlement.
My heart goes out to the family. Losing a child for any reason is tragic; I cannot imagine the horror this family endured. If Disney decides to fight the parents in court, they will wind up writing a check that will make Bob Iger’s head explode. Mr. Iger (and his lawyers) aren’t that stupid.
I have heard that alligators are remarkably fast, even on land. My heart grieves for this family. Prayers up for their healing.