Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. During this time, families place immense trust in funeral homes and mortuaries to handle their loved one’s remains with dignity and professionalism. When that trust is broken, the emotional, financial, and legal consequences can be overwhelming.
In Maryland and Washington, DC, funeral negligence is a serious matter. Families have important rights when funeral homes fail to meet the standards required by law. Below is an overview of what funeral negligence looks like, how the law protects families, and what you can do if you believe a funeral home mishandled your loved one’s remains.
I am privileged to represent a number of families who were all victims of the Heaven Bound Cremation Services. Media coverage has focused on the appalling state of this service, which was entrusted with the remains of families loved ones. The State of Maryland has suspended the license of the company responsible for cremating the remains of loved ones throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.
One of our clients to this day has no idea where the remains of her husband are located. We are representing this widow in her quest for justice
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/04/25/heaven-bound-crematory-lawsuit/
Other clients were notified by an investigator that the ashes they had in their home were not those of their relative, and they were given some other person’s remains.
The State of Maryland placed this crematory on probation within one year of their opening, and unfortunately the problems multiplied from there. A subsequent inspection found bodies which were improperly stored and remains that were in decay and mistreated.
https://health.maryland.gov/bom/Documents/heavenb0037.pdf
We filed a lawsuit in Charles County, Maryland seeking to hold the cremation services providers and any related funeral home responsible for negligence, unfair or deceptive trade practices, misrepresentation, breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress. It has been a motions battle with motions to quash subpoenas and indefinitely stay the case. This is active complex litigation, and we are happy to speak with any other victims of Heaven Bound Cremation Services or any victim of funeral, cremation or cemetery negligence for a free consultation.
These cases can be emotionally heavy, but families deserve answers—and accountability.
We’re Here to Help
If you believe a funeral home in Maryland or Washington, DC mishandled your loved one’s remains, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our firm can help you understand your rights and pursue justice with compassion and care.
Alan J. Mensh, Esq.
Reach out to schedule a confidential consultation.