Injured and Forced to Cancel Your Wedding in Buffalo? 

You planned everything down to the last detail. Then, out of nowhere, an injury turned your dream wedding into a nightmare. Now you’re left dealing with medical bills, stress, and the emotional pain of missing the biggest day of your life. And to make matters worse, you're out thousands in non-refundable deposits. If this sounds like your story, you’re not alone—our personal injury attorneys may be able to help you take legal action.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys support couples in Buffalo who’ve been forced to cancel their weddings due to injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether the injury came from a car crash, a slip and fall, or a vendor’s mistake, we help you fight for what you lost.

Buffalo Brides & Grooms: Can You Get Your Money Back for a Wedding Canceled by Injury?

The short answer: possibly, yes. Recovering wedding-related losses depends on the cause of the injury and the contracts you signed with your vendors. If someone else’s negligence forced you to cancel, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Types of Deposits May Be Lost?

Buffalo couples often lose:

• Venue deposits (popular spots like Hotel at The Lafayette or Statler)
• Catering down payments
• Photographer or videographer retainers
• Floral and décor contracts
• DJ or band fees

Many of these vendors include cancellation clauses that don’t account for personal emergencies, even if they’re medically serious.

Can You Recover Cancellation Fees?

If your injury was caused by someone else—such as a negligent driver or a business that failed to provide a safe space—you may be able to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. This could include reimbursement for:

• Non-refundable deposits
• Cancellation fees outlined in vendor contracts
• Lost honeymoon investments

Under New York General Obligations Law § 5-701, certain contracts must be in writing and clearly outline obligations. If vendors failed to honor those terms after a documented emergency, you might also have a breach of contract claim.

The Heartbreak of Missing Your Own Wedding—Can You Sue for Emotional Distress?

There’s no way to put a price on watching your wedding day slip away. The grief, frustration, and sadness are very real—and in some cases, you can seek compensation for that emotional pain.

The Psychological Impact of Missing a Wedding

Emotionally, wedding cancellation can trigger:

• Depression and anxiety
• Strained relationships with your partner or family
• Social embarrassment and disappointment

If these issues are linked directly to a preventable injury caused by another party, they may support a claim for non-economic damages.

How Courts Evaluate Emotional Distress Claims

To succeed, you’ll need to show:

• That the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence
• That the resulting emotional suffering was significant
• That you’ve received treatment or have documentation showing the impact

New York courts recognize emotional distress claims when they’re backed by evidence. New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4111 allows juries to award non-economic damages in personal injury cases involving emotional harm.

Buffalo Venues & Vendors: Can You Hold Them Liable for Ruining Your Big Day?

Sometimes, it’s not an outside accident that disrupts your wedding—it’s the vendors themselves. And if their actions caused an injury that led to cancellation, they may be held legally responsible.

What Qualifies as Vendor Negligence?

We’ve seen Buffalo cases involving:

• Unsafe venue conditions (slippery floors, faulty staircases, or unstable décor setups)
• Caterers serving food that caused food poisoning
• Equipment failure (malfunctioning lights or stage collapse)

If a vendor’s actions—or lack of action—created a dangerous situation, they may be liable under New York General Business Law § 349, which prohibits deceptive or negligent commercial practices.

Proving Liability in Court

To build your case, we look for:

• Witness statements
• Photos or video footage
• Vendor contracts
• Medical records documenting the injury

It’s about connecting the dots between what went wrong and how it led to your wedding being canceled.

Does Insurance Cover a Wedding Canceled by Injury in Buffalo?

Wedding insurance exists, but it doesn’t always do what you hope. Some policies help. Others leave you empty-handed.

Does Wedding Insurance Cover Injuries?

It depends on the policy. Some event insurance covers cancellation due to illness or injury—but:

• The injury usually must involve the bride, groom, or an immediate family member
• There may be exclusions for pre-existing conditions
• Some policies exclude injuries caused by negligence

That last point is important. If someone else caused the injury, their liability insurance—not your wedding insurance—may be the key.

Filing an Insurance Claim Successfully

If you had wedding insurance, act fast:

• File the claim within the time frame listed in your policy
• Provide medical documentation and proof of cancellation
• Gather vendor invoices and receipts

We can also pursue the responsible party’s insurance provider. If they caused your injury, their insurer should cover the financial fallout.

Legal Loopholes That Can Help You Recover Wedding Cancellation Costs

Even if you think you’re out of luck, don’t assume. There are legal paths that may get your money back—especially when the injury wasn’t your fault.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Depending on how your injury happened, responsible parties might include:

• Drivers in car accidents
• Property owners with unsafe premises
• Event planners or venue staff
• Vendors who created hazards

Under New York General Obligations Law § 5-322.1, liability waivers in contracts don’t always hold up if negligence is involved.

Steps to Take After an Injury Disrupts Your Event

Here’s what we recommend:

• Keep copies of every vendor agreement
• Take photos of injuries and incident locations
• Get immediate medical care
• Document all financial losses

With this information, our team can evaluate whether a personal injury or contract claim is possible.

Your Buffalo Legal Team for Wedding Disruption Claims

Your wedding was supposed to be unforgettable for the right reasons. If an injury took that day away from you, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys fight for Buffalo couples whose wedding plans were destroyed by negligence.

Let us help you recover what you lost. If you're ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, we’re ready to stand by your side.