Details of the wedding venue collapse in the New Hampshire Lakes Region
On the evening of March 22nd, 2026, the floor of a wedding venue collapsed at the beginning of a wedding reception in Tamworth, New Hampshire. 70 guests fell approximately 8 feet down into the structure’s basement. Some guests were trapped under beams and farming equipment until first responders arrived. Six of the guests were taken to hospitals for treatment, and several more were treated on the scene for their injuries.
The building was an old maple sugar shack, known as the “Sap House,” built in 1800. Its construction predated modern fire codes and safety standards. At the time of the collapse, there were 144 people in the building. It has been confirmed that the venue did not have the state-required permit to host a large gathering in the sap house, though they did have a permit for the barn on the property.
While the building’s occupancy load is still being investigated and the exact cause of the collapse remains in question, one thing does not: people received avoidable injuries at what was supposed to be a happy occasion. They deserve justice.
If you were injured in the floor collapse at the Preserve at Chocorua in Tamworth, we want to hear from you. Reach out to us through our contact page or by calling us at (800) 451-1002 for a free consultation. We are representing victims of this incident and have extensive experience with premises liability and other types of personal injury cases.
Frequently Asked Questions about Premises Liability
What are a property owner’s responsibilities?
The owner of a wedding venue is responsible for maintaining a safe and well-maintained property. This involves routine and emergency repairs, ensuring compliance with state and federal safety codes. In the event that maintenance cannot be performed, the property owners have an obligation to take steps to keep people away from any unsafe spaces on their property. Failure to meet these standards can be grounds for a premises liability case.
What are my rights as a victim of this event?
As a victim of a premises liability case, you have the right to seek compensation for any injuries resulting from or exacerbated by the property owner’s negligence. This includes the cost of medical bills, lost wages from your time recuperating, and other restitution that covers the full impact of the event on your life. As a lawful visitor to an event venue, you have the right to a safe environment.
Can multiple victims injured in the same incident use the same lawyer?
Yes, so long as there is no conflict of interest. If one victim were to blame another for the incident, then an attorney would not be able to represent them both. However, if multiple victims agree that a separate party is at fault for the injury, then an attorney could represent them all without issue.
There are benefits to sharing an attorney in incidents like this, as it allows for an attorney to have a broader sense of the impact, and gives victims access to the same resources, such as liability experts.
However, there would need to be a consensus as to the fair division between victims if there are not enough assets or insurance to cover all claims fully.
Doesn’t insurance cover this? Why would I need an attorney?
While insurance companies will often claim to cover an injury after a major event like this one, they will often downplay a victim’s injuries or suggest that complications of existing injuries are unrelated to the incident. An attorney works for you to try and get what you are owed after an accident and make sure that all aspects of your injury are covered.
Do I have to pay to speak with an attorney?
Personal injury attorneys are most often paid on a contingency-fee basis. In short, they are not paid until you are. Consulting with one of our attorneys on this matter will be free, and you will not pay anything until you receive compensation for your injury.
How can I connect with an attorney?
Reach out to us through our contact page or by calling us at (800) 451-1002 for a free consultation. We are here to help victims get the compensation they deserve.
