Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience. You trust the funeral home to offer your loved one a respectful ceremony, but this doesn’t always happen.
Many of these businesses fail to uphold their obligations and don’t treat bodies with dignity before burial or cremation.
If you think Cortner Chapel Funeral Home mishandled your loved one’s body, contact Peerali Law. We understand the importance of holding these businesses accountable and seeking justice for your loved one.
Speak with our experienced funeral home negligence lawyers to take the first step towards finding peace and closure.
What Legal Obligations Do Funeral Homes Have?
Funeral homes are subject to strict legal obligations to ensure the proper handling and care of deceased individuals. These following duties protect the rights and interests of families and uphold standards within the industry.
- Licensing and regulation. California funeral homes must get a license and adhere to laws governing their operation. For example, the California Health and Safety Code governs funeral establishments, crematories, and embalmers.
- Identification and documentation. Funeral homes must identify and document the remains of deceased individuals, including keeping records of services provided and requests from the family.
- Handling and preparation of remains. Funeral homes are responsible for properly handling and preparing remains, such as conducting embalming procedures per state regulations to preserve the body for viewing or burial.
Any funeral home that violates these obligations can face criminal and civil liability.
Indications That Cortner Chapel Mishandled Your Loved One’s Remains
Discovering that a funeral home mishandled your loved one’s body can be a distressing and troubling experience. Dealing with this reality can be difficult, but it’s essential for holding the funeral home accountable.
Here are some common signs that a funeral home might have mishandled your loved one’s body:
- Discrepancies in identification. You may notice incorrect name tags, mismatched personal effects, or confusion about the deceased’s identity.
- Physical damage or alterations. Physical damage caused by mishandling during transportation, preparation, or viewing can include bruising, lacerations, or other signs of trauma.
- Inadequate preservation. Signs of decomposition, discoloration, or foul odors may suggest substandard practices during embalming.
- Failure to deliver remains. Losing your loved one’s remains is a clear indication of mishandling and failing to follow your family’s wishes.
Cortner Chapel in Redlands may have mishandled your loved one’s remains if you notice any of the above indications. Call the funeral home negligence lawyers at Peerali Law to see if you qualify for compensation.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Funeral Home Misconduct
Discovering potential misconduct by a funeral home can be distressing and overwhelming. While it may be difficult, you need to act fast to maximize the strength of your claim. Following these steps will help you effectively navigate this process.
Gather Evidence
Begin by collecting any evidence that supports your suspicions of misconduct. Evidence such as photographs of the deceased, documentation of the services provided by the funeral home, and any communications or interactions with the funeral home staff can be helpful. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be.
Document Your Concerns
Write a detailed account of your concerns, including specific incidents or observations. Be sure to note the dates, times, and names of individuals involved, including any relevant conversations or interactions. Keeping this record will help you organize your thoughts and share them with regulatory agencies or lawyers.
Contact Regulatory Authorities
Reach out to the appropriate regulatory authorities to report your suspicions of misconduct by the funeral home. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau. They will review any evidence that supports your complaint and begin the investigation process.
Can You Sue a Funeral Home?
Yes. You have the right to take legal action against Cortner Chapel for their misconduct, and Peerali Law is here to help. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to aid you in seeking justice for your loved one.
Some of our services include:
- Evaluating your case. Our experienced attorneys will review the details of your case to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit against the funeral home. We’ll consider factors such as evidence of misconduct, financial losses, and emotional distress.
- Explaining your rights. We’ll guide you through the legal process, explaining your rights and options every step of the way. Whether we file a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement, we’ll ensure that you understand the potential outcomes of your claim.
- Building a claim. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a compelling case on your behalf. We’ll leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for your loved one and family.
- Advocating for maximum compensation. We are strong negotiators and never back down from a fight. We’ll aggressively pursue maximum compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
- Providing compassionate support. Throughout the process, we’ll provide compassionate support and guidance to you and your family. We understand the emotional toll of these cases and will be there with you every step of the way.
- Holding negligent parties accountable. At Peerali Law, we’re dedicated to ensuring negligent parties face justice for their actions. We’ll work tirelessly to hold the funeral home responsible for any wrongdoing and get your family needed closure.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for a confidential consultation if you believe you’ve experienced mistreatment by a funeral home. Together, we can explore your legal options and take action to protect your rights and seek the justice your loved one deserves.
Call Now to Speak with a Redlands Funeral Negligence Attorney
If you believe your loved one has been a victim of funeral negligence, don’t wait another moment. Peerali Law is ready to discuss your case and help you take action against Cortner Chapel Funeral Home.
Over the last two decades, our attorneys recovered millions for our clients, including a $1 million settlement against a funeral home.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Kristopher earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he was a member of the Review of Law and Social Justice honors law journal and was awarded several scholastic honors.
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