The mother of the groom who suffered permanent injuries during a freak wedding day accident has won a massive $2.3 million settlement.
Here’s what happened.
At a glance:
- Janet Davis, 55, suffered permanent injuries during her son’s wedding after a chuppah collapsed on her.
- A lawsuit resulted in a $2.3 million settlement with the banquet hall, its parent company, and the canopy’s maker.
- The incident was deemed preventable, with Davis’ attorneys citing failure to properly secure the structure.
A tragic accident at her son’s wedding in Illinois left Janet Davis with permanent injuries and a $2.3 million settlement. Davis, 55, was standing under a chuppah, a ceremonial canopy used in Jewish weddings, when it collapsed, causing significant injuries to her spine and inner ear.
The incident occurred in 2021 during the customary breaking of the glass, as guests approached the newlyweds. The 87-pound structure reportedly fell directly onto Davis, striking her neck and back. As a result, she required medical treatment totaling $325,000, including spine surgery and care for a concussion and tinnitus.
A lawsuit was filed by Davis and her husband, Edward, against the Skokie-based banquet hall, Ateres Ayala, its parent company Luxe Catering LLC, and the maker of the canopy, Jose Vargas Ortega. Davis’ attorneys argued that the accident was entirely preventable, with Timothy Cavanagh stating, “It never should have happened.” Another attorney, Marc McCallister, suggested that the structure may have been bumped, but it was not secured properly, leading to the collapse.
After nearly three years, the lawsuit concluded with a $2.3 million settlement on September 13. Ateres Ayala paid $550,000, Ortega contributed $10,000, and Luxe Catering paid $1.74 million. Davis’ legal team had prepared video evidence showing that the chuppah was not structurally sound, leading to the accident. The failure to secure the structure properly was cited as the cause of Davis’ injuries, which are permanent.
The chuppah, often made of silk or velvet, symbolizes the new home the couple will create together. However, this structure’s collapse turned a joyous event into a life-altering ordeal for the groom’s mother.
