A **Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit** has been filed by two women who claim serious injuries occurred at the Chicago Botanic Garden during the popular Lightscape holiday event when a projection screen allegedly collapsed, falling on attendees. The lawsuit accuses several parties of negligence and misconduct following the projection screen accident.
Event Details and the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
The Lightscape event offers visitors an enchanting experience along a 1.3-mile trail adorned with twinkling lights and dazzling displays. The incident occurred on December 20, 2025, when Ariel James and Shelli Loesch attended Lightscape. Around 8 p.m., while viewing an exhibit featuring a large projection screen, the screen and its rigging, along with supports, collapsed without warning, trapping the women beneath the debris. This harrowing event forms the basis of the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit.
Allegations of Negligence in the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, targeting the Chicago Horticultural Society, which operates the Chicago Botanic Garden, and Culture Creative LTD, a UK-based company that designed the Lightscape showcase. Plaintiffs allege these entities were negligent, claiming the rigging was not properly anchored and basic wind resistance standards were not met. Furthermore, the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit states that the event was not postponed despite windy conditions that night. Although wind speeds were reportedly only 16 mph, Culture Creative’s own standards require displays to withstand 45 mph winds. Therefore, the defendants allegedly failed to ensure safety, leading to the projection screen accident.
Forest Preserve District Accused of Misconduct in Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is also a defendant in this Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit. As the owner of the land where the garden sits, the lawsuit accuses the district of misconduct. It claims the district allowed the event to proceed without ensuring minimum safety standards were in place, permitting hazardous setups and contributing to the overall liability in the projection screen accident.
Severity of Injuries from the Projection Screen Accident
Both women sustained significant holiday event injuries. Shelli Loesch fractured her left ankle and left tibia, and her coccyx was also fractured. Additionally, she suffered a head injury causing her to lose consciousness and spent four nights in the hospital. Ariel James suffered a fractured left wrist and sustained injuries to her shoulder, neck, and head. The Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit does not mention injuries to children who were also present during the projection screen accident.
Legal Action and Demands in the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 each. These damages cover pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of normal life, in addition to medical costs and emotional trauma stemming from the event safety negligence. The Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit was filed on December 29, 2025, seeking to hold the defendants accountable for the holiday event injuries.
Official Responses to the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
The Chicago Botanic Garden acknowledged the lawsuit, stating they do not comment on pending litigation but will review the filing carefully, emphasizing that visitor safety remains their top priority. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal action related to the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit. A representative for Culture Creative LTD did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Chicago Botanic Garden lawsuit.
Visiting the Garden and Event Safety
Lightscape is a popular holiday attraction that draws many visitors. Families and friends enjoy the festive displays, with the event typically running for several weeks. Organizers aim to provide a magical experience. However, this incident, central to the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit, raises serious safety questions and prompts a review of event protocols to prevent future projection screen accidents and forest preserve misconduct.
Ongoing Legal Process for the Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit
This Lightscape Collapse Lawsuit is now underway, and the legal process will determine responsibility for the event safety negligence and the resulting holiday event injuries. It highlights the critical importance of event safety, as attendees expect a secure and enjoyable experience. The outcome could influence future event planning, with the Chicago Botanic Garden and its partners facing scrutiny in these ongoing legal proceedings related to the projection screen accident.
