When someone loses a loved one to a motor vehicle accident or a workplace incident, the fallout can feel enormous. Not only has a family lost someone, anyone that person supported suddenly lacks that income and productivity. Pressure, emotions and financial burdens begin to pile up.
One of the first responsibilities following a wrongful death is the funeral expense. It may help to know the basic process when engaging with a funeral home at such a turbulent time.
The pickup
People who suffer catastrophic injuries often end up in the hospital. However, some accidents are sudden and serious enough that a medical examiner may pronounce someone dead on the scene. Funeral homes or morgues often hold these bodies until the family determines which funeral home they wish to work with.
Preparation and plans
While Illinois does not require embalming, many funeral homes require it for open casket viewings. Funeral home staff will clean and prepare a body for whatever service a family feels is best to commemorate a lost loved one.
Burial or cremation
A major choice to make concerns whether a family wishes to cremate or bury their loved one. This alters the cost as well. The median cost of a funeral in Illinois ranges between $6,953 and $7,868 depending on this choice.
Moving forward
Grief follows after, along with a family finding out how to move on. In the event of negligence or workers’ compensation, there are options available to families looking to see compensation for some of the high and unexpected costs of a wrongful death.
