Managing Partner Samer Habbas Secures $1 Million Settlement for Family After Funeral Home’s Cremation Error

Managing Partner Samer Habbas settled a case at the policy limit of $1,000,000 for our client,  the family of a decedent. Despite providing the funeral home with photos, a suit, and clear instructions, the funeral home cremated the decedent despite the families request to have a burial.

In October, our clients contracted a funeral home to obtain arrangements for their mother, including embalming and an open-casket viewing ceremony followed by other arrangements. The family paid a deposit for the agreed-upon services to be conducted in early November. However, rather than performing the requested burial service, our client received a call from the funeral home the day before the set date of service notifying them that their mother’s body had been mistakenly cremated.

The news of an unauthorized cremation caused our clients emotional trauma and distress.  Through diligent efforts and unwavering dedication, our legal team successfully secured a $1,000,000 policy limit settlement.  Initially, the defendant refused to make an offer of settlement in response to a policy limit demand.  Immediately thereafter, a lawsuit was filed.  Knowing our firm’s reputation of going to trial and meaning business, the insurance carrier paid out their entire policy limits to resolve this matter.  This outcome provided a measure of justice and financial compensation for the family’s significant emotional suffering.