Funeral Home Negligence & Litigation Attorneys in New Jersey

When a funeral home fails to uphold its duty, the emotional harm is profound — and often permanent. Families trust funeral directors with their loved one’s final arrangements during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. When that trust is violated through negligence, fraud, or mishandling, it is more than just a breach of contract — it is a breach of human dignity.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent families across New Jersey in funeral home litigation, holding funeral directors, crematories, cemeteries, and mortuary businesses accountable when their misconduct causes emotional distress, property loss, or reputational harm. These cases are deeply personal — and we pursue them with the same strategic intensity we bring to every civil matter.

When Can You Sue a Funeral Home in New Jersey?

You may have grounds for legal action if a funeral home or related business violates state licensing rules, industry standards, or a contract for services. In New Jersey, funeral service providers are regulated under the New Jersey Board of Mortuary Science, and may be sued for:

• Mishandling or misidentifying remains
• Improper embalming or preparation
• Cremation errors, including mixing or losing ashes
• Failure to follow family instructions or religious customs
• Damage to personal items, caskets, or burial plots
• Negligent transportation or storage of remains
• Unlicensed or unqualified staff performing services
• Fraudulent billing or overcharging for services not rendered

These are not just customer service issues — they may be grounds for a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for emotional distress, breach of contract, and punitive damages.

Common Legal Claims in Funeral Home Lawsuits

Funeral home litigation may involve multiple causes of action, including:

• Negligence — failure to provide care or services to the standard required by law
• Breach of contract — failure to deliver promised services
• Infliction of emotional distress — especially in egregious cases
• Fraud or misrepresentation — false promises or concealment of misconduct
• Violation of state mortuary or cemetery law — such as improper licensing or storage

We investigate each case with precision — reviewing contracts, photographs, staff licensing, burial permits, and cemetery records. Our goal is simple: to hold negligent funeral providers publicly and financially accountable.

Why Families Choose Ratliff Jackson LLP

Funeral home cases require more than just legal knowledge — they require sensitivity, discretion, and courtroom readiness. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we:

• Conduct thorough investigations of funeral home practices and vendors
• Work with forensic experts, mortuary professionals, and religious advisors
• Demand records from cemeteries, crematories, and third-party providers
• Handle pre-litigation negotiations, public complaints, and full civil litigation
• Ensure families are treated with dignity — both in and out of court

We don’t settle for apologies. We secure answers, accountability, and results.

If you believe a funeral home, crematory, or cemetery has mishandled your loved one’s remains or defrauded your family, you have rights. These cases are difficult, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Call Ratliff Jackson LLP at 856-209-3111 or contact us securely. We will listen, advise, and fight for the dignity your family deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Home Lawsuits

Can I sue a funeral home for mishandling remains?

Yes. New Jersey law permits lawsuits against funeral homes, crematories, or cemeteries for negligence, emotional distress, and other civil claims if they mishandle remains or breach a service agreement.

What compensation can I recover?

Damages may include emotional distress, funeral reimbursement, burial or cremation correction costs, and in some cases, punitive damages for egregious misconduct. Each case is fact-specific.

How long do I have to file a funeral home lawsuit?

In most cases, New Jersey law allows two years from the date of injury or discovery. However, time limits vary. Early consultation improves your chances of securing records and preserving evidence.

Are funeral homes regulated in New Jersey?

Yes. Funeral homes and directors are regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science. Violations of licensing laws may support both civil lawsuits and professional complaints.

Will filing a lawsuit make details public?

We approach every case with discretion. Some matters can be resolved confidentially through negotiation or mediation. In litigation, public filings are often necessary, but we protect sensitive family details wherever possible.