Dan Caplis Law Partners Receive Colorado Trial Lawyers Association “Case of the Year” Award for Historic Glenwood Caverns Verdict

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association has awarded its prestigious “Case of the Year” honor to attorneys Dan Caplis, John Kellner, and Babar Waheed of Dan Caplis Law, alongside Kari Jones Dulin of Dulin McQuinn Young LLP, for their work in Estifanos Dagne, et al. v. Glenwood Caverns Holdings, Inc., et al.

The case drew national attention after a jury returned a historic $205 million verdict following the death of six-year-old Wongel Estifanos at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The verdict became one of the most significant wrongful death outcomes in Colorado history and sparked renewed scrutiny of amusement park safety standards nationwide.

The tragedy occurred when Wongel climbed aboard a drop ride at the park and ride operators failed to secure her seatbelt, overrode multiple safety warnings, and allowed the ride to operate despite clear dangers. Wongel fell ten stories to her death.

According to evidence uncovered during years of litigation and a three-week trial, safety procedures had been repeatedly ignored and known risks consciously disregarded. Following the verdict, the court determined the conduct constituted a “felonious killing,” removing statutory caps on damages under Colorado law.

“This case was always about accountability and preventing another family from suffering the unimaginable,” said Dan Caplis. “The verdict sent a message that public safety can never be treated as optional.”

The case has since prompted conversations throughout the amusement park industry regarding ride operation protocols, employee training, and safety oversight practices.