A wrongful death attorney in NY at Gacovino, Lake & Associates understands that in the midst of your sorrow and pain, you must consider average funeral costs and other expenses. If someone else’s negligence was the cause of your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to compensation that addresses any related medical bills, along with reasonable burial and funeral expenses.
Average Funeral Costs
Knowing average funeral costs can help for planning purposes after a loved one’s death. Although prices can vary greatly, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) indicates that the average cost in 2009 was $6,560 without a vault and $7,755 with a vault.
Keep in mind that these prices may rise year after year. Understanding the breakdown of these costs can help the bereaved organize their finances after an unexpected death in New York.
Using 2009 figures as an example, the following are average funeral costs according to the NFDA:
- hearse – $275;
- embalming – $628;
- service car/van – $125;
- fee for basic services – $1,817;
- removal/transfer of remains – $250;
- other types of body preparation – $200;
- use of staff/facilities for viewing – $395;
- use of staff/facilities for ceremony – $450;
- basic printed memorial package – $125;
- metal casket – $2,295; and
- vault – $1,195.
However, these costs don’t include the cemetery space, marker and other associated expenses. This can lead to another couple thousand dollars or more, so keep that in mind throughout your planning.
Of course, there are ways to defray the costs. But the reality is that no matter what, you are looking at multiple expenses. At the same time, you may be eligible to recover these costs if the careless or reckless actions of another individual were the reason for the loss of life. A wrongful death attorney in NY at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help if you choose to pursue a claim.
Funeral Planning
Most people don’t preplan funerals. This is especially true when a loved one is young and healthy. The unexpected death can come as a shock and leave you feeling overwhelmed. It may help to know there are different types of funerals from which you may choose that will impact the costs.
For instance, there is the traditional funeral, which includes everything from the visitation and viewing to the burial. Alternately, you can choose to have a direct burial or cremation, without the ceremony.
In planning, you should also know that you are not required to use a funeral home. Some people will enlist the help of their church instead. If you do decide to go with a funeral home, you may want to comparison shop if you have the time.
It’s important to get from an itemized statement of the goods and services that will be provided from the funeral director or whoever will be handling the arrangements. This will eliminate any hidden costs.
You should also remember that caskets vary, not only in style but in price. So you should ask for a list of all models available, which should include every price point. Not every model will be on display.
Contacting a Wrongful Death Attorney in NY
Nothing is more painful than having to go through the process of planning a loved one’s funeral. It is even more difficult when his or her death was preventable. Our law firm will review the details and circumstances to determine if negligence was the cause of your loved one’s death. If so, we can also explain the process of filing a claim and what types of compensation may be available.
To help you understand your rights and to learn if you have legal options available, contact a wrongful death attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
