The groom’s mother will receive a $2.3 million settlement after a horrific accident during her son’s wedding ceremony

A freak accident at her son’s wedding in Illinois left the groom’s mother with permanent injuries and a staggering $2.3 million.

On one of the happiest days of her life, Janet Davis, 55, suffered injuries to her spine and inner ear after a chuppah – a wedding canopy used in Jewish wedding ceremonies – fell on her at her son’s wedding in 2021.

Davis was reportedly standing directly under the chuppah when the estimated 87-pound structure collapsed, hitting her in the neck and back.

The ceremony structure is said to have collapsed after wedding guests went up to the canopy to congratulate the newlywed couple after the couple performed the customary glass breaking ceremony.

A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Davis and her husband Edward against Skokie-based banquet hall Ateres Ayala (pictured) and its parent company Luxe Catering LLC, as well as the unstable cover’s manufacturer, Jose Vargas Ortega, following the unexpected incident

The 55-year-old incurred a whopping $325,000 in medical bills following the tragic accident, including treatment for a concussion, tinnitus and spinal surgery.

Davis’ injuries to her inner ear and cervical spine have since been deemed “permanent in nature.”

A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Davis and her husband Edward against Skokie-based banquet hall Ateres Ayala and its parent company Luxe Catering LLC, as well as the manufacturer of the unstable cover, Jose Vargas Ortega, following an unexpected incident.

One of Davis’ lawyers, Timothy Cavanagh, claimed the entire incident was “easily avoidable” and “should never have happened.”

“It was possible that the chuppah had collided at that time and caused the collapse. “In any case, it should not have fallen,” added Marc McCallister, another lawyer for Davis.

On September 13, almost three years after their son’s wedding, a $2.3 million settlement was reached with the defendants. The Davis family’s attorneys argued, “If the case goes to trial, we would be prepared to provide video of the collapse and an unrefuted statement from Ateres,” and that Luxe’s ​​failure to properly secure the chuppah in a structurally sound condition was the cause for the collapse.”

“Had Ateres and Luxe properly secured the chuppah, it would not have collapsed, Janet Davis’s injuries would have been avoided, and the family would have enjoyed a beautiful wedding celebration,” Cavanagh added.

On September 13, almost three years after their son’s wedding, a $2.3 million settlement was reached with the defendants. The Davis family’s attorneys argued, “If the case goes to trial, we would be prepared to provide video of the collapse and an unrefuted statement from Ateres,” and that Luxe’s ​​failure to properly secure the chuppah in a structurally sound condition was the cause for the collapse.

Davis was reportedly standing directly under the chuppah when the estimated 87-pound structure collapsed, hitting her in the neck and back. Pictured: A Jewish wedding shuppa

According to McCallister, Ateres paid Ayala $550,000 in restitution, Ortega paid $10,000 in restitution and Luxe Catering paid the remaining $1.74 million.

A chuppah is often made of silk or velvet, but can be made from almost anything, including a guest post quilt or a family heirloom.

The ceremonial structure is typically supported by four poles and is often decorated with flowers, ribbons, vines or lace.

The canopy-like cover is intended to symbolize the family’s new roof and the couple’s intention to create a new home and life together.