Wedding venue caught fire . Compensation ?

[pickard1]

Hi
we got married last week and the venue had a fire on the first floor smoking terrace. this happened just after our first dance and totally ruined the night.
we were evacuated at 9pm and were let back in approx 10.15pm , by which time , we had lost about 60% of our guests , some of whom had travelled a long way.
we invested a lot of money in peripheral entertainment on the night , band £1500 , photo booth £600, lighting £500 and catered for 100 guests at £9.00 per head, half of which went untouched and wasted.
We felt all of the above were not utilised on the night as our guests left as a direct result of the fire
whilst we understand accidents happen, we can never relive our wedding night and feel we should be compensated.
the venue's insurers are not willing to pay, as it is classed as an act of god ?
the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette as i was informed by the fire inspector.

do we have a case?

 

[Zigner]

Hi
we got married last week and the venue had a fire on the first floor smoking terrace. this happened just after our first dance and totally ruined the night.
we were evacuated at 9pm and were let back in approx 10.15pm , by which time , we had lost about 60% of our guests , some of whom had travelled a long way.
we invested a lot of money in peripheral entertainment on the night , band £1500 , photo booth £600, lighting £500 and catered for 100 guests at £9.00 per head, half of which went untouched and wasted.
We felt all of the above were not utilised on the night as our guests left as a direct result of the fire
whilst we understand accidents happen, we can never relive our wedding night and feel we should be compensated.
the venue's insurers are not willing to pay, as it is classed as an act of god ?
the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette as i was informed by the fire inspector.

do we have a case?

I'm sorry, but this forum is for US law only. You will want to seek legal advice that applies to your country. Good luck in this matter and in your new marriage

 

[adjusterjack]

the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette as i was informed by the fire inspector.

do we have a case?

Yes.

Against whoever discarded the cigarette.

If you cannot determine that then you have nothing.

But do consult an attorney as your country's laws might change that opinion.

Not likely, but worth checking.

 

[not2cleverRed]

Yes.

Against whoever discarded the cigarette.

If you cannot determine that then you have nothing.

But do consult an attorney as your country's laws might change that opinion.

Not likely, but worth checking.

Similarly, the venue might have issue with the OP, assuming the cigarette was discarded by one of OP's guests or outside entertainment brought in by OP. At the very least, OP should not expect to get back the damage/clean up deposit, were there one.