PORTLAND, Ore. — A Multnomah County jury awarded $275,000 each to two teenagers left dangling upside down on the Atmosfear ride at Oaks Park for roughly 30 minutes in July 2024.
The verdict, delivered Wednesday, covers compensatory damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. It includes no punitive damages.
Xitlali Gomez-Salais and a second minor, whose name remains sealed, were trapped head-down after the ride’s mechanical failure prevented harness release. Rescue crews used ladders and cutting tools to free them.
The award total is $550,000.
Timeline of the Incident
The ride launched normally at approximately 2:15 p.m. on July 14, 2024.
Seconds into the cycle, the gondola halted at a 90-degree angle. Harnesses failed to release.
Eyewitnesses reported screaming from both riders. Park staff attempted manual release procedures for 10 minutes before calling 911.
Firefighters arrived at the 2:40 p.m. mark. Extraction took another 12 minutes.
Total inverted suspension time: 27 minutes.
Blood rushed to the teens’ heads. Both reported breathing difficulty and severe dizziness. They were transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for observation.
Lawsuit Grounds and Evidence
The plaintiffs alleged negligence, failure to maintain equipment, inadequate safety protocols, and emotional distress.
Court records show ride inspection logs from 2023 contained two prior complaints about harness latch stiffness. Maintenance records indicated a lubrication schedule that was not followed.
Oaks Park’s defense argued the malfunction was unforeseeable and that the ride met manufacturer guidelines.
Expert witnesses included a ride safety engineer who testified the latch design was prone to seizing under humidity. A clinical psychologist documented symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder in both teens.
Why $275K Sparks Outrage
Critics point to comparable cases. In 2022, a Florida jury awarded $1.2 million to a rider trapped on a similar inverted attraction for 14 minutes.
A 2019 Texas case involving an 18-minute suspension yielded $850,000.
The families issued a statement Wednesday: “This isn’t about money. It’s about ensuring no other child experiences this.”
Local advocacy group Safer Rides Now called the award “a slap on the wrist” given Oaks Park’s estimated annual revenue of $8 million.
Legal Experts on the Award Size
Oregon law caps non-economic damages in some personal injury cases. Comparative negligence rules may also have reduced the amount.
Jurors often under-award for psychological harm because trauma is difficult to quantify. No visible physical injury was presented.
Both teens have undergone ongoing therapy since the incident. Neither has ridden an amusement ride since.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys have 30 days to file a motion for a new trial or seek punitive damages. Oaks Park may also appeal.
Oaks Park’s Response
Park management issued a written statement: “We are grateful the jury recognized our commitment to safety. We have already implemented enhanced inspection protocols.”
The Atmosfear ride was permanently removed in September 2024.
Oaks Park has not announced whether it will contest the verdict. Insurance will cover the payout.
Broader Safety Context
Federal oversight of amusement rides applies only to traveling carnivals. Fixed-site parks like Oaks Park self-regulate.
Oregon has no mandatory third-party inspection law for permanent amusement rides.
Nationwide data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows approximately 1,300 ride-related injuries requiring emergency room visits annually. Malfunction-specific incidents account for roughly 12% of those cases.
Community Reaction
Portland-area social media has circulated petitions demanding Oaks Park undergo an independent audit of all rides.
A GoFundMe campaign for the teens’ ongoing medical expenses has raised $34,000 as of Thursday morning.
Local outlets KATU, KGW, and KOIN have all published editorials questioning the adequacy of the award.
What Happens Next
A motion for a new trial could be filed within 30 days. Settlement talks remain possible.
For the teens, the path forward includes continued therapy and monitoring for long-term physiological effects of inverted suspension.
The verdict is in. The conversation about ride safety — and what justice costs — is not over.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What happened during the Atmosfear ride incident at Oaks Park?
- A: In July 2024, a mechanical failure trapped two teens upside down on the Atmosfear ride for about 30 minutes. Rescue crews used ladders and cutting tools to free them after harnesses failed to release.
- Q: How much did the jury award to each teen?
- A: Each teen received $275,000 in compensatory damages, totaling $550,000. No punitive damages were included.
- Q: What evidence was presented in the lawsuit?
- A: Plaintiffs cited negligence, equipment maintenance failures, and inadequate safety protocols. Records showed prior complaints about harness latch stiffness in 2023.
Extended Reading
Initial reporting on this case came from KATU News correspondent Vasili Varlamos, whose coverage documented the Gomez-Salais family’s pursuit of accountability. Additional context was drawn from KGW and KOIN’s ongoing reporting on the Atmosfear settlement and Portland amusement park safety standards.