FUNERAL HOME CREMATES THE WRONG BODY
A funeral home in Texas has cremated the wrong body, preventing the family from giving one last goodbye to their beloved relative, instead putting out the wrong body in its place before realizing their mistake, stopping the family from coming to the funeral, and informing them of what took place.
Shelia Sterling died of cancer in 2012, and her family took great detail and made preparations for her funeral, inviting relatives from miles away to celebrate her life and remember the impact she had on other family members and people in the community.
Unfortunately, when they got to Gonzales Funeral Home in Texas, they were informed by the staff members that viewing would not be possible, and that they were not to be there for fear of a mix-up. They were informed that instead of Sterling’s body in the casket, the funeral home had placed inside a white male, and was ready for his viewing instead.
Realizing their mistake, the funeral home quickly informed the family about the horrible mishap, but the damage was obviously done. The Sterling family was distraught, with one family member leaving the room obviously and horribly upset.
To make matters worse, the funeral home then presented the Sterling family with the ashes of the remains of Ms. Sterling, since they had accidentally cremated her instead of preparing the body for burial, as were the family’s wishes.
The family has filed complaint with the Texas Funeral Commission, as well as having filed suit with the funeral home and two mortuaries. They hope to recoup their losses and find peace, knowing that they will not be able to say goodbye to Ms. Sterling like they had originally intended before the horrible mistake.
Funeral home mistakes are incredibly severe, and it is critical that if you feel anything similar to this has happened to you, that you take the guidance of a funeral home lawyer who can correctly, respectfully and discreetly deal with your problem. Only a good cremation lawyer can work to ensure that you receive the benefits, money, and legal support coming your way after a cremation mistake.
Funerals can be an extremely sensitive time, and it is imperative that funeral homes approach all funerals with discretion, care, and compassion. If they do not do so, a high quality funeral home lawyer is absolutely necessary to take care of litigation matters during this particularly sensitive and difficult time for you and your family.