LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A family who claimed a loved one was left in “unsanitary conditions” has filed a lawsuit against McDermott’s Funeral and Cremation Services.
According to the Nevada Funeral & Cemetery Services Board, McDermott’s permit was revoked on Aug. 15 because cremations were not being done on time.
Clark County officials confirmed 146 bodies were taken from the funeral home and transferred to Davis Funeral Homes.
According to the lawsuit, Jose Gonzalez has filed on behalf of Dora Gonzalez, who passed on July 17. Her body was taken to McDermott’s. The family claims officials were “adamant” on recommending McDermott’s services. The paperwork provided explained that the timeframe for cremation would take 7 to 28 days.
The family says they were notified nearly a month later that Dora’s body was removed and taken to Davis Funeral Homes. Officials confirmed the bodies were being improperly stored, according to the lawsuit. They believe this was happening for an extended period of time, as fluids of decomposing bodies were found leaking on one another.
The family visited Dora after she was transported to Davis Funeral Home. The lawsuit reports her body had decomposed to a point where her fingertips could not be identified. Davis cremated Dora’s body on Sept. 1.
The family is arguing that McDermott’s failed to uphold cremation services in a reasonable time period and failed to keep her body in sanitary conditions.
The family is asking for $15,000 in damages caused by the negligent actions of the business, according to the lawsuit.
FOX5 spoke with other families of loved ones who also say they were awaiting cremation for an extended period of time:
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