Planning a funeral for a loved one after a tragic accident is often emotionally challenging. It might also be financially draining. Unfortunately, laying the person to rest is going to be an expensive endeavor. If price is a concern, there are some options that you have to help save money.
Knowing your rights might help you to save money. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule of 1984 sets specific requirements for funeral homes. There are several factors that can help you while you make your plans.
- Funeral homes must provide general pricing over the phone.
- You must be allowed to provide an urn or casket.
- You can decline embalming, but you might be subject to time restrictions for the funeral or burial.
- Funeral homes must give you a list of casket prices.
- You must be given an itemized statement.
In addition to those requirements, funeral home employees are forbidden from pressuring anyone into buying funeral services or goods that they don’t want or need. You should take the time to consider what you are going to do for the final arrangements. Sometimes, people end up with a more expensive funeral than what they actually wanted. You can price shop to combat this possibility.
When your loved one’s tragic death is due to another person’s negligence, you might opt to seek compensation for the final expenses and other damages that you incur due to the fatality. You can hold that person accountable for their actions, and it may help you do something productive with your anger. There are time limits for filing a wrongful death claim, so act swiftly after the tragedy to ensure you are within that limit.