In a wrongful death case, not only do you have the unexpected grief to overcome as a result of losing a loved one, there are funeral costs to reckon with as well. These costs levy a distinct burden both financially and emotionally since funeral homes often require the total cost of a funeral service up front before they go through with a service.
Whether you have a current death to worry about or you decided to do your own research ahead of time, knowing the median cost of a funeral may help you prepare for the loss of a loved one. It may also help you understand one of the many costs involved with a wrongful death case.
Cost of a funeral with burial and viewing
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial comes out to over $7,000, but the fact the many cemeteries require a concrete vault for their plots raises that cost to above $9,000. These costs do not take into account the price of particular monument or headstone costs, additional flowers or an obituary for the general service. It depends on the funeral home you do business with.
Cost of a funeral with cremation and viewing
Cremation, as a funeral option, has gained popularity among families for various reasons including costs, ideological reasons or other preferences. These costs hover around $5,000 and include the costs of transfer, facilities for viewing your loved one and possibly embalming if the funeral home requires it for an open casket service.
These costs may provide your loved one the sendoff they deserve, but they may also pressure your own financial situation. Understanding these costs may help you understand what to expect out of a wrongful death claim.