(WWJ) Two families are now suing a Detroit funeral home, saying their mothers' remains were mishandled — and in one case, cremated by mistake.
High-profile firm Fieger Law on Wednesday announced the filing of two separate lawsuits against Hutchison Funeral Home, owner Jaimie Hutchison, and Michigan Cremation Services following a mix-up involving the remains of Kimberly Moore and Sanda Miller.
The lawsuits stem from an alleged series of events that began when the Moore family’s mother was mistakenly cremated without authorization prior to her open-casket viewing, scheduled for Sept. 17.
According to the legal filings, another woman's body — later identified as Sanda Miller — was dressed in Moore’s clothing and wig, then presented to Moore’s daughter as her mother.
Attorney James Harrington noted that while Bianca Moore was being told the body was her mother despite her protestations, Miller’s daughter, Cecelly, was in another room applying eyelashes and preparing to dress a body that was not actually her mom's.
Miller’s children allege they were initially assured by the funeral home that their mother was not involved in any mix-up, only to learn later that her body had been presented to the Moore family and used in preparation for another service.
"I had already watched my mom suffer. I had been with her while she was dying," Cecelly said during a press conference. "I just know that my mom deserved dignity, identification, protection, and respect."
Lawyers for the families state that the Moore family has still not received Kimberly Moore's remains or ashes, nor have they received a direct apology outside of a public statement.
An eight-count complaint filed in court includes allegations of interference with the right of funeral services, negligence, gross negligence, breach of contract, and violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
"These families are already enduring the profound grief of losing their mothers. To then face additional trauma surrounding the care of their loved ones is deeply disturbing," said Harrington, President and CEO of Fieger Law.
He said the law firm has launched an investigation to determine how the failures occurred and seek accountability.
The legal action follows the recent death of Joseph Hutchison Jr., Vice President of Operations at Hutchison Funeral Home.
Hutchison was found dead on Sept. 24 in a Detroit apartment, roughly a week after the initial cremation mix-up allegations came to light. The cause and manner of his death were under investigation by the Wayne County Medical Examiner, but officials said they do not suspect foul play.
"I just know that my mom deserved dignity"
"I just know that my mom deserved dignity"
