A 78-year-old grandmother has filed a $3 million lawsuit against an Oregon trampoline park after she was knocked to the ground by a child, resulting in a severe hip injury that required replacement surgery. Maria Alanis Ruiz, a well-known activist and academic, was picking up her granddaughter at the Beaverton Sky Zone in March 2024 when the incident occurred.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
According to legal documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, Ruiz was walking past a seating area near the play zone to inform her granddaughter it was time to leave. At that moment, a child ran past her, striking her and causing her to fall with such force that she needed a right hip replacement. The lawsuit states that she now walks with a limp and continues to suffer from chronic pain, numbness, and a burning sensation in her right leg when sitting.
Allegations of Safety Negligence
The legal filing claims that the child was running despite a 'no running' rule being in place at the facility. It alleges that Sky Zone employees failed to enforce this rule and did not staff the park with a sufficient number of workers to ensure attendee safety. As a result, Ruiz experienced physical and mental pain, along with damage to her muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves, and soft tissues.
Beyond the physical toll, the lawsuit asserts that Ruiz has suffered anxiety, emotional distress, and a loss of life expectancy due to the fall. It further describes the trampoline park as engaging in an 'abnormally dangerous or ultrahazardous activity,' citing an 'extreme volume of injuries' at the location.
Impact on Ruiz's Life and Career
Maria Alanis Ruiz is a prominent figure in Oregon, having co-founded Portland's Cinco de Mayo celebration in the 1980s and helped establish the Chicanx/Latinx Studies program at Portland State University. According to the Western Oregon University website, she has assisted over 10,000 Chicano/Latino students in achieving their educational goals.
Her attorney, Austin Neff, told the Daily Mail that Ruiz should never have been forced to enter a 'zone of chaos' to retrieve her granddaughter. Neff expressed hope that Sky Zone would re-examine its safety practices to prevent similar incidents. He noted that Ruiz, previously an avid gardener, has been unable to return to this hobby since her surgery, and her mobility restrictions appear to be permanent.
Legal Proceedings and Response
The lawsuit was filed on March 9, 2024, and as of the latest reports, Sky Zone's attorneys have not responded. The Daily Mail has reached out to Sky Zone for comment, but no statement has been issued. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety protocols in recreational facilities and the potential for severe injuries among vulnerable visitors like elderly grandparents.
