Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things to deal with in life. For some Connecticut families, the pain is worse because the loss is unexpected and caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another person. The sudden passing of a loved one can leave a rift in a family’s life, both emotionally and financially. The loss of a loved one’s financial support can leave a family on shaky financial footing. Making matters worse, unexpected expenses are thrust upon the family, including medical expenses and funeral costs.
When preparing for a funeral, there are many things to consider, but the price can be something that is shockingly high. A funeral bill may include fees for funeral home staff, planning, notices, coordination with the cemetery or crematory, and casket or urn costs. These expenses can quickly add up, and a family that recently lost a loved one may not be in the position to give their loved one the goodbye they would like.
Funeral costs are just one of the elements of damages that can be recovered via a wrongful death lawsuit. To succeed on one of these claims, a surviving family must prove that another individual or company acted negligently or wrongfully, and that the negligent or wrongful act was a substantial factor in causing the victim’s death. Once these elements are proven, the family can offer evidence showing financial losses, including documentation illustrating funeral expenses.
At a time when a family is trying to find a way to say goodbye to a loved one, thinking about taking legal action can be difficult. But speaking to an attorney about a wrongful death lawsuit can actually put a family at ease, knowing that they have legal options they can pursue in hopes of recovering their damages.
Source: Federal Trade Commission, “Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist,” accessed on Oct. 3, 2016
