When you lose someone you love in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you are left with a great deal of pain and grief. In addition, you are forced to figure out how to pay for their funeral and honor them in the way they deserve. Fortunately, a wrongful death claim can help you recover the compensation you need to cover funeral expenses as well as medical bills, projected loss of income, emotional distress, and other relevant damages.
If you’d like to file a wrongful death claim, reach out to The Krist Law Firm, P.C. to speak with an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney. While we won’t be able to bring your loved one back, we may be able to ease the financial burden you’ve been left with after their passing.
To schedule a free, initial consultation of your case, contact us today at at (281) 283-8500.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost?
Funeral costs have been increasing at a substantial rate over the last several years. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral with a burial is $8,500. Keep in mind that this price does not include a burial plot or extras such as transportation and flowers. Depending on the items you choose, the cost could be far more expensive.
The National Funeral Directors Association also discovered that the average cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,000. While cremation services may cost between $1,000 and $3,000, you’re more likely to pay somewhere in the $6,000 and $8,000 range.
If you don’t have this type of cash on hand to pay for your loved one’s funeral, a lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim so that you can recover the compensation you may be entitled to help pay for these costs.
Types of Recoverable Funeral Expenses
There are a number of different funeral expenses you may be able to recover by filing a wrongful death claim. While you can use the money to pay for basic funeral service fees and a death certificate, you can also use it to fund the urn or casket and tombstone. The funeral home rental, printed materials, the vehicle rented for the procession, and printed materials can be recovered as well.
It’s a good idea to contact several funeral homes to make sure you pay a fair price and search for items such as caskets or liners to land the very best deal. By shopping around and comparing prices, you can save thousands of dollars without compromising the quality of your loved one’s funeral.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas law states that there are three groups of people who have the right to file a wrongful death claim, including:
- Spouses, even if they were separated at the time of the death
- Biological and adoptive children
- Parents of the deceased
To file a claim, you have to meet the above criteria and prove that your family member’s life was taken because of the recklessness, carelessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. It’s important to take action and file a claim right away, because you only have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to pursue compensation for a wrongful death.
Contact a Houston Wrongful Death Attorney at The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, you owe it to yourself to consult our firm as soon as possible. The Krist Law Firm, P.C. has helped many individuals successfully file a wrongful death claim and recover the compensation they need to pay for their loved one’s funeral expenses and move forward with their lives. Call us at at (281) 283-8500 today, or reach out online to schedule a free case consultation.