Two individuals are taking legal action against the organisers of a rodeo held in Oregon following an alarming incident involving a bull that leapt into the stands, resulting in severe injuries to audience members. The plaintiffs, who are seeking a total of £9 million in damages, allege neglect on the part of rodeo operators in ensuring the safety of spectators during the event, which took place on June 8, 2024, at the Sisters Rodeo.
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The bull, named Party Bus, reportedly cleared the arena fence and charged into the crowd, causing chaos and injury. One of the plaintiffs, Allison Hickey, has lodged a claim for nearly £7.5 million, citing extensive physical injuries and psychological trauma as a result of the incident. Court documents reveal that she was struck by the bull while walking near the spectator area and subsequently suffered significant injuries to her shoulder and leg.
The injuries sustained by Hickey were severe enough to require surgical intervention, including the insertion of a metal plate and screws in her shoulder. Moreover, she claims to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has indicated that her professional prospects as a physical therapist have been adversely affected by the accident. According to her lawsuit, Hickey has incurred over £87,000 in medical bills and anticipates further expenses related to ongoing treatment.
In her statement, Hickey expressed her dismay at how her traumatic experience was managed by the rodeo organisers. “What should have been a fun night was cut short when I was crushed by a bull,” she stated. “Instead of being met with compassion by the Sisters Rodeo, my trauma has been turned into profit.” Hickey also alleges that following the incident, the rodeo profited from the sale of merchandise featuring the bull jumping the fence, thereby commercialising her experience of trauma.
The second plaintiff, Kristin Wert, alongside her husband Andrew, has filed a separate lawsuit requesting approximately £1.8 million in damages. Their complaint alleges that Kristin was struck from behind and thrown into the air when the bull escaped its enclosure. Reports indicate that she has suffered injuries to multiple areas of her body, including her arms and legs, and continues to experience debilitating symptoms such as migraines, dizziness, and emotional distress stemming from a concussion.
In defence of the allegations, Corey & Lange Rodeo Co., the contractor responsible for providing Party Bus, denied any wrongdoing and placed the majority of the responsibility for the injuries squarely on the Sisters Rodeo Association. The organisation has also made a public statement refuting claims of animal mistreatment and emphasised its commitment to the well-being of all rodeo livestock.
The Sisters Rodeo Association acknowledged awareness of the lawsuits but maintains that it went to great lengths to ensure a safe environment for spectators and participants alike. “Sisters Rodeo Association, along with its contractors, volunteers, and rodeo contestants, prioritised the health and safety of all rodeo livestock while striving to maintain a safe environment for enjoying the rodeo,” the Association commented.
Witnesses reported that the rodeo, which was attended by around 5,500 spectators, was in full swing when the bull made its dramatic exit from the arena. Many attendees were enjoying the festive atmosphere, singing along to the tune of “God Bless the U.S.A.” when the incident occurred. Initial reports from officials indicated that multiple spectators were injured, with two needing hospitalisation. A sheriff’s deputy who responded to the scene also reported minor injuries.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mike Corey, the owner of Party Bus, announced that the bull would be barred from future rodeo events, acknowledging the unpredictability of such animals. “He simply went and jumped out of the arena,” Corey remarked, adding that incidents of this nature are rare, although they do happen occasionally.
As these lawsuits unfold, they have raised questions surrounding the safety measures in place at rodeos and the responsibilities of event organisers when it comes to spectator protection. With both plaintiffs seeking substantial compensation for their injuries, the outcomes could have significant implications for future rodeo events across the country.