Losing a loved one in an accident that could have been avoided if the responsible party had just taken more care is incredibly difficult. The financial burden that can come along with that loss may make it even harder to cope.
One of the biggest reasons that people file wrongful death claims after the loss of a loved one is that they’re unable to afford the basics associated with that loved one’s death — like funeral expenses. Funeral expenses shouldn’t be overlooked in any wrongful death claim.
What is your right to funeral expenses after a wrongful death?
In a wrongful death claim, you have the right to ask for reasonable burial expenses for your loved one. That means that you cannot ask for more than what might be considered “average” for the area in which you live.
What does the “average” funeral usually cost these days?
While funeral costs vary somewhat by location, the National Funder Directors Association says that the average price tag for a funeral today is about $6,500. However, that does not include the cemetery plot, burial fees or headstone.
A cemetery plot costs an average of $1,000 and the vault used to line the plot (which is customary or even required in many locations) is around $700. A headstone can cost several hundred dollars or more. It would be wise to pick one with a fairly conservative cost if you plan to include it in your wrongful death claim.
Altogether, it probably isn’t unreasonable to ask for $8,000 to $9,000 for a modest funeral (unless prices in your local area run lower or higher).
Learn how to claim funeral and burial expenses for your loved one in a wrongful death claim — and find out more about your additional rights by exploring our website or contacting our office directly.