Years ago, our firm successfully prosecuted a funeral home negligence case through trial in Palm Beach County, Florida, obtaining a $3.5 million jury verdict on behalf of a grieving family. It was a result built on preparation, a deep understanding of the specific standards funeral homes must follow, working with the right experts, and knowing how to present the true emotional impact of this kind of loss to a jury. While the bulk of our practice has traditionally focused on personal injury cases, our involvement in funeral neglect cases started over 15 years ago with a simple desire to help that one grieving family.

In the years since that verdict, our firm has developed a proven methodology for prosecuting funeral home neglect claims. That reputation has grown to the point that attorneys across the state now refer us funeral home cases on a regular basis, trusting that we know how to hold these companies accountable and maximize recovery for their clients.

Another thing we have noticed in recent years is a large number of advertisements for “funeral home negligence attorneys” online and across social media. While there certainly are a handful of high-quality law firms in Florida who do specialize in these types of cases, many of the ads we see come from firms that have never actually handled these cases before. That’s a problem. Funeral home neglect claims are not the same as a typical personal injury matter. They involve specialized regulations, unique evidentiary challenges, and damages that can be difficult to prove without real experience litigating them.

If your family has been affected by a funeral home’s neglect, be careful before clicking on the first ad you see. Ask the firm directly: Have you tried a funeral home case? Have you obtained results (settlement or verdict) for families in situations like mine? A firm that can’t answer those questions with specifics is learning on the job.

Our firm has spent years developing the methodology, resources, and relationships needed to hold funeral homes fully accountable and to maximize recovery for the families we represent. We have taken on some of the largest publicly traded corporations in the funeral space and secured many favorable results for our clients.

We don’t just dabble in funeral cases; we dedicate ourselves to fighting them.

If you or a loved one has experienced mishandling, negligence, or abuse at the hands of a funeral home or crematory, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation.

Experience matters.

Written by Brett J. Yonon, Attorney, Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato.

More on this topic

Families researching these cases can learn more about how we handle them on our Florida funeral home negligence lawyer page, including the $3.5 million verdict referenced above. We’ve also explained how to prove funeral home negligence, the common types of funeral home negligence we see across Florida, and what to do if you suspect a funeral home was negligent.

If your family is going through this, you can request a consultation to talk through your options.

FAQ 

What makes funeral home negligence cases different from a typical personal injury claim?

They involve specialized regulations, unique evidentiary challenges, and damages that can be difficult to prove without real experience litigating them.

How do I know if a law firm actually has funeral home experience?

Ask directly whether they have tried a funeral home case and whether they have obtained results for families in a situation like yours. A firm that can’t answer with specifics is learning on the job.

What kinds of funeral home negligence can a Florida family sue for?

Common claims include mishandling or loss of remains, cremation errors, embalming errors, releasing a body to the wrong family, and abuse or misconduct at a funeral home or crematory.

What does it cost to hire a funeral home negligence lawyer?

The firm handles these cases on a contingency-fee basis and offers a consultation to review your family’s situation.

Legal disclaimer

This article references a past case result ($3.5 million jury verdict). Results are not guaranteed. The outcome of any case depends on its own facts, and prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice; contacting the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato does not create an attorney-client relationship. If your family has been affected by funeral home negligence, consult a licensed Florida attorney about your situation. This material may be considered attorney advertising.