Funeral Expenses in a Wrongful Death Claim

The unexpected loss of a loved one is devastating, especially if their death was preventable. When someone else’s negligence is responsible, the surviving family shouldn’t have to wonder how to shoulder the financial burden as well. A wrongful death claim can help you secure financial compensation for the tragic losses you and your family have suffered, including funeral expenses.

Average Costs for a Funeral

The average cost for a funeral with a viewing and burial in 2021 was approximately $7,848, while a funeral with cremation was $6,971. These figures do not include cemetery fees, which can quickly add up to $2,000 or more—for example, a grave marker purchase or space reservation. In addition, these average cost estimates are only based on the most commonly selected services or items, such as transferring of the remains, preparation of the body, and a casket or a vault.

What Types of Funeral Expenses Can I Recover Compensation For?

If your Nevada wrongful death claim is successful, you can recover reasonable funeral expenses. Those often include the following:

• Basic services fee
• Cremation fee
• Cremation casket
• Urn
• Removal/transfer of deceased to funeral home
• Embalming/preparation
• Rental of facilities for viewing and ceremony
• Hearse
• Service car/van
• Memorial package (e.g., printed materials, prayer cards)
• Casket (metal, not wood)

Other potentially recoverable costs include ordering a death certificate, funeral plot, catering, reception rental fees, any upcharges, and publishing an obituary. However, these costs must be reasonable. For example, an insurer or the court understands that people who attend a funeral reception must be fed, but a $5,000 catering bill may be seen as unreasonable.

How to Recover Funeral Expenses in a Wrongful Death Claim

Worrying about covering costs associated with a funeral is not something that should occupy a surviving family’s thoughts during this time. However, it can be difficult for family members to process their grief and pursue a wrongful death claim at the same time.

One of the most important steps you can take after a wrongful death is to contact an experienced Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can help guide you through the claims process and hold the at-fault party accountable. They will gather the evidence you need to prove the at-fault party’s negligence is responsible for your loved one’s death, as well as the documentation necessary to establish your losses related to funeral expenses and other recoverable costs. In addition, an attorney will take care of the paperwork, make sure you meet filing deadlines, and ensure you recover fair compensation. As a result, your family can have peace of mind knowing someone is on your side and fighting the legal battles for you.

Other Types of Available Compensation

The types of compensation awarded will vary based on the circumstances of each case but may include:

• Medical bills related to the accident which caused the victim’s death;
• Loss of expected wages and benefits;
• Reduction in the inheritance suffered by surviving children;
• Loss of parental guidance;
• Loss of support and services that the victim provided, such as childcare;
• Loss of society, companionship, comfort, guidance, and advice;
• Conscious pain and suffering the deceased endured due to their injuries; and more.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s (at-fault party’s) actions were intentional or they behaved with a reckless disregard for the safety of others.