Teenager recounts harrowing 20 minutes suspended upside down as park operators scramble to rescue riders.
A fun date night at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, turned into a nightmare for 18-year-old Jordan Harding and her boyfriend. The couple, along with 28 other thrill-seekers, was left hanging upside down for 20 agonizing minutes after the AtmosFEAR ride malfunctioned. Harding, who initially thought the incident would be brief, quickly realized the gravity of the situation.
“After about 15 seconds of being upside down, I realized we were stuck,” Harding recounted. “I thought we were going to die there. My boyfriend was scared, too.” The malfunction occurred on the park’s opening day for the summer season, disrupting an eighth-grade field trip and leaving riders in a state of panic.
The AtmosFEAR ride, a spinning pendulum-style attraction, came to a sudden halt, leaving passengers suspended in mid-air. Harding described the fear and helplessness she felt as her life flashed before her eyes. “I remember thinking that I was going to die like that and miss out on so many major things that I had hoped to experience,” she said.
Emergency responders from Portland Fire & Rescue were promptly dispatched to the scene. Park engineers and fire officials collaborated to manually lower the ride, ensuring the safe evacuation of all riders. The 30 passengers were medically evaluated by first responders after being brought down to safety.
“The ride has been manually lowered, and all riders are now being evacuated and medically evaluated,” officials confirmed. Fortunately, no severe injuries were reported, but the emotional and psychological impact on the riders was profound.
Oaks Amusement Park announced that the AtmosFEAR ride would remain closed until further notice while an investigation into the cause of the malfunction is conducted. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance procedures at the park, which is Oregon’s oldest existing amusement park, located just 3½ miles from downtown Portland.
How People Are Harmed and Injured by This Product
The malfunction of the AtmosFEAR ride resulted in severe psychological distress for the riders, particularly for those who, like Harding, feared for their lives. Prolonged inversion can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and potential neck and back injuries. In extreme cases, being suspended upside down for extended periods can cause blood to pool in the head, leading to increased pressure on the brain and eyes, which could result in lasting damage.
Victims of such incidents may experience trauma, requiring psychological counseling to cope with the fear and anxiety induced by the experience. The immediate medical evaluations ensured that there were no critical injuries, but the long-term effects of such an ordeal can be profound.
Filing a Lawsuit for Damages
Victims of amusement park ride malfunctions have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and emotional distress. Filing a lawsuit involves several critical steps, and it is advisable to have an attorney guide the process. The lawsuit process typically begins with a consultation with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in product liability cases. The lawyer will assess the case, gather evidence, and determine the liability of the amusement park and ride manufacturers.
An attorney can help navigate the complex legal procedures, including filing the necessary paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the victims in court if necessary. The attorney will work to prove negligence or a failure in the duty of care by the amusement park, which led to the accident.
Potential Damages Recoverable
In a product liability lawsuit concerning amusement park ride malfunctions, victims can seek various types of damages. These may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills incurred due to injuries sustained during the incident.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income if the victim was unable to work due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties and deter future misconduct.
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