When tragedy strikes and you lose a loved one to a motor vehicle accident or medical malpractice, the last thing you may want to think about is the logistics of finances and funerals. The unexpected happens, you are reeling and you have to contend with both grief and money.
This cost is not optional, but it can be easier. By knowing your options and the average costs, you may understand better what to prepare for and, more importantly, what you deserve from a wrongful death claim. The National Funeral Directors Association discusses the average cost of funeral services.
Burial or cremation?
Funeral services vary depending on the type of services you request. A burial comes with a few items implied: casket, the plot and often a cement vault to keep the casket from the elements. The NFDA estimates burial costs at around $7500 — just over $9000 with a vault.
Embalming is a cost that many might mistake as mandatory. In Georgia, embalming is not mandatory but many funeral homes require it if your funeral services have an open casket.
Cremation serves as a cheaper solution, though that does not preclude services. Estimated costs for a funeral service with cremation come in at just over $5000.
These estimations do not include other costs such as rental caskets, flowers or obituaries.
Affording it all
Talking about these costs can be difficult. Paying them can be worse. Even if you planned for an untimely death, a lost loved one due to negligence throws any plan out of order. Victims deserve justice and compensation — not a bill that cripples your finances in this time of grieving.