Legal Insights

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Mortuary Negligence Claims

The emotional consequences of funeral home negligence can be profound and deeply distressing for families.

There are many different types of mortuary or funeral, the most common of which are:

Improper Handling of Remains

Cases where deceased individuals were not treated with respect, such as being left in unrefrigerated conditions or being mishandled.

Failure to Provide Services

Instances where families paid for specific services (like embalming or body transportation) that were not completed as promised.

Wrong Body Returned

Situations where families received the wrong body back for burial or cremation, leading to errors in final arrangements.

Neglecting to File Necessary Paperwork

Some funeral homes have been reported for failing to file death certificates in a timely manner, causing legal and administrative complications for grieving families.

Commingling of Remains

Allegations have been made against some funeral homes for mixing ashes or remains, particularly during cremation processes.

The law office of Cohen & Cohen can help you fight funeral home negligence and get you the help you need.

Families already dealing with the loss of a loved one may experience heightened grief if they feel that the dignity of the deceased was not respected or if there were mistakes in the funeral process. Families often place their trust in funeral homes to handle their loved ones with care and respect. Negligence can lead to feelings of betrayal and anger towards the service providers.  Dealing with the fallout from negligence, such as having to rectify mistakes or navigate legal issues, can lead to increased anxiety and stress during an already challenging time, as well as a substantial financial burden.

Proper funeral rites and processes are often vital for emotional closure. Negligence can disrupt this process, leaving families feeling unsettled and unable to fully grieve. Experiencing negligence of this sort can lead to a general distrust in funeral services or professionals, making it difficult for families to seek help in the future. Perhaps, worst of all, families might feel isolated in their experiences, particularly if they fear judgment from others for what happened. This can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment.  In some cases, the consequences of such negligence can lead to more profound psychological effects, including anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The emotional consequences can linger long after the initial incident, impacting not just the immediate family but also broader social relationships and support systems. It’s important for those affected to seek support from mental health professionals or support groups to help process these feelings.  Another important avenue of support is proper legal advise and representation.