Josephine County, Oregon will pay a Washington couple $1.2 million for injuries they suffered after falling from a suspension bridge at a “treesort” in Takilma, Oregon. The couple was posing for a picture on the bridge that was suspended between two trees when the railing gave way causing them to fall head-first to the ground.
The family sued the county claiming they failed to inspect and issue permits for construction of the bridge; failed to require the design to meet applicable standards; and failed to stop the resort from building structures without inspections and permits. The Out ‘n’ About Treesort features guest housing in tree houses.
The lawsuit claimed the woman suffered spinal injuries, a fractured left wrist, multiple bruises and emotional distress from the fall. Her husband suffered injuries to his brain, ribs, left shoulder and arm, as well as mental and emotional distress. They had initially sought $7 million.
While the county paid the amount, they did not admit liability and settled to avoid further litigation.