People who live within the native range of the American alligator, and that includes Louisiana, know that, if you stay out of the way of gators, they will stay out of your way. Alligator attacks on humans are rare, and most of them occur when people are swimming or wading in lakes or rivers, which are the gators’ home. Recreational land use statutes prevent you from suing if you get injured while engaging in recreational activities on land that is open to the public, even if it is privately owned; unless you paid admission, it is no one else’s responsibility to ensure that you and the gators do not get too close to each other. Meanwhile, premises liability laws cover alligator attacks at recreational areas that charge admission, and when customers pay tour companies to take them into alligators’ territory and then to return them safely to whence they came. If you got injured in an alligator attack in a recreational area frequented by humans, contact a Houma personal injury lawyer.
Attacking Gators in Urban Park With Paying Customers Definitely a Case of Premises Liability
In June 2025, Katharine Hurley went to City Park in New Orleans with her dog Mina. Admission to the park is free, but visitors can be considered business invitees because there are so many opportunities for customers to spend money at the park, from parking to theme park rides and concession stands. The two were walking near the water’s edge near Scout Island, as they often do, and Mina stuck her head in the water, as was her habit during visits to City Park.
Almost immediately, an alligator arose from the water and bit Mina’s face. Hurley repeatedly kicked the gator in the face, and it let go. Mina went to the vet for emergency surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Hurley suffered a small fracture in her leg.
As of the time of publication of news reports about the gator attack, Hurley has not taken any legal action against City Park, but it appears that she would be in a strong position to do so if she chose. If she were to file a premises liability lawsuit against City Park, she could request compensation for her own medical expenses and Mina’s veterinary bills.
According to the WGNO news website, alligators at City Park are a persistent hazard. An alligator killed a dog at City Park last year, near the location where the gator attacked Mina. Hurley said that children frequently go kayaking in the lagoon where Mina got bitten. She fears that, if the city does not post signs warning guests about alligators, or better yet, set up barriers or remove the gators, then they will continue to attack not only pets but also humans.
Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey About Personal Injury Cases
A personal injury lawyer can help you if you got injured while protecting your pet from an alligator. Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey in Houma, Louisiana, to set up a consultation about your case.
(985) 313-9791
