Small claims action for disposal of body
Times are tough, as we all know, but we came across a story which really is quite shocking. It’s not a UK story but it’s not a third world story either. It’s from the US.
In short, the story from a local US publication concerns the fact that an increasing number of relatives of dead people are refusing to pay for their burial or cremation – this means the local authorities have to deal with the body and are fighting back by suing the relatives in the small claims court.
Presumably the legal action could only be taken against executors or administrators of the deceased’s estate ? Law is different of course in the US but under English law this is the only basis we can see for such a claim, although if we are incorrect, please do let us know.
Follow this link for the story in full. It seems to us to be a sad indictment of not only economic change, but societal and legal change also.
What do you think ?
Tags: law, society