The COVID-19 crisis has claimed tens of thousands of American lives, overwhelming not only our healthcare and unemployment systems but our funeral homes. Many of these homes are not used to such a heavy influx of bodies; as a result, they have struggled to handle them adequately.
Though it’s understandable that this is a difficult time for funeral homes, among so many others, that is no excuse for negligence or the abuse of our loved ones’ remains. People trust that these homes will handle their duties with the proper care and respect. But all too often during this pandemic, that has not been the case.
Thankfully, by filing a personal injury lawsuit, victims can hold funeral homes accountable for their negligence. If your loved one was neglected or abused by a funeral home, you may be entitled to compensation.
Examples of COVID-19 Funeral Home Neglect
In general, most cases of funeral home neglect involve some combination of incompetence, greed, deception, and/or sexual perversion. During the coronavirus crisis, cases of neglect appear to be on the rise and may take one of the following forms:
- Mishandling, dropping, or losing the body
- Storing the body in an unrefrigerated truck or other vehicle
- Leaving the body unattended for an extended period of time
- Piling multiple bodies on top of each other due to lack of space
- Delivering the deceased to the wrong grave or embalming site
- Failing to deliver the deceased in a timely manner
Funeral homes should not take on more remains than they can adequately handle. If they fail to treat people’s loved ones with dignity, they should be held accountable.
Proving Funeral Home Negligence
If a member of your family passed away from coronavirus, and they were then neglected, abused, or exploited by a funeral home, you might be wondering if you have grounds for a lawsuit. “Negligence” is the legal term for liability or responsibility in such an incident. Proving liability usually involves satisfying the following criteria:
- The funeral home owed you a standard of care. They were responsible for treating the deceased in a respectful manner, but failed to do so.
- They breached their duty. The funeral home breached their legal obligation to avoid harming or mistreating your loved one.
- That breach directly resulted in harm. The funeral home was responsible for the abuse or mishap.
- Losses were suffered as a result. The funeral home’s actions injured the deceased (physically) and/or you and your family (emotionally, financially).
Speak to a COVID-19 Funeral Home Neglect Lawyer
If you lost a loved one to COVID-19, and the funeral home did not treat them in an honest, respectful, or competent manner, contact the funeral home lawyers at Morgan & Morgan. Our experienced and empathetic attorneys can review the facts to determine if you have a case. If you do, we’ll help you collect the compensation you need to make it through this incredibly difficult time.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to get started, and we get paid only if you win. To learn more, schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.