The loss of a loved one is a terrible event in anyone’s life, and often has long lasting repercussions on the future. During the funeral service, your attention is probably not on the funeral itself or the cemetery upkeep, but on simply getting through the event and the next months of your life. However, you may begin to notice the items that slipped by once the shock has worn off, and you are left to heal with the help of friends and family. The improper graveside care of your loved one’s plot is an issue which should be carefully scrutinized by the funeral home. If you believe the at the funeral home is neglecting their duties regarding the upkeep of your loved one’s grave, you may be able to bring a claim against the funeral home.

Improper graveside care does not only mean the failure of a cemetery and funeral home to maintain the gravesite on an ongoing basis, but may also involve the failure of these companies to ensure that the grave and body are appropriately presented during the funeral.

Grave robbery seems to be the thing of historical fiction that occurred during the time of Mary Shelley and the draft of Frankenstein. Unfortunately, the lack of appropriate security has led to the theft or desecration of graves throughout the country recently. While grave theft is not as big of an issue as it may have been hundreds of years ago, the fact remains that it still occurs on a more regular basis than people realize. Grave robbery not only desecrates the gravesite itself, causing intense emotional distress to the family but could lead to the theft of hundreds or thousands of dollars of jewelry and other family heirlooms.

The failure of a funeral home and cemetery to act appropriately regarding the burial or ongoing maintenance of a gravesite could lead to liability for damages relating to the emotional distress and any financial repercussions that could arise from this failure. The failure of a funeral home to adequately protect your loved one from the actions of petty criminals could lead to a claim for damages. You do not want to spend the months or year after a loved one’s funeral battling the nighttime petty criminals who troll a funeral home. The funeral home should have the resources to guard the cemetery, including adequate gates and surveillance. The failure of a funeral home to protect the grounds could lead to claims for negligence.

If you have lost a love one and believe that their grave is not being appropriately cared for by the cemetery, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their funeral negligence claims, including the improper graveside care of their loved one’s plot. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.