Cemetery negligence is a more common phenomenon than most people realize, resulting in a risk of harm to both the remains of the deceased, as well as the welfare of the living. Here are seven things you need to know about cemetery negligence:
- Cemetery negligence can be committed by anyone who handles human remains
- The term “cemetery negligence” can be a bit misleading, because it can be committed by anyone who handles your loved one’s remains. This includes a cemetery, a funeral home, or even a crematorium, depending on your exact circumstances.
- Cemetery negligence can result in damage to the remains
- When someone mishandles the remains of your loved one, it can result in them being significantly damaged. This includes damage done during transport, damage done due to improper storage or embalming, or even misplacing the remains.
- Cemetery negligence can cause significant financial harm
- When your loved one is the victim of this type of negligence, you may wind up paying for it, literally. It can potentially cost a substantial amount of money to, for example, repair a damaged headstone or fix damage to a gravesite, assuming the damage can be repaired.
- Cemetery negligence can cause psychological harm
- Suffice it to say that it can be extremely disturbing to witness a loved one’s remains being mishandled. Victims of this type of negligence often suffer the psychological scars from it for years afterwards.
- Cemetery negligence can rob you or your loved ones of personal property
- While cemetery negligence is often the result of simple carelessness, it can also be motivated by greed. Caretakers are aware that people are often buried with important valuables, and some people are not above robbing the dead to obtain them.
- Cemetery negligence can be a sign of more widespread problems
- While it is bad enough when cemetery negligence occurs as one-off accidents, they can sometimes point to more widespread problems. In some cases, cemeteries, funeral homes, and crematoriums have been found to be engaged in widespread negligence as part of their business practices.
- You may be entitled to compensation
- If you have been the victim of cemetery negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling these types of cases as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.