Viewing Wrong Corpse Leads to Huge Verdict

A funeral home displayed the wrong corpse in the casket during a wake. The family sought damages for emotional distress and the defense asserted that damages should be limited to the cost of the funeral.

A jury  in San Antonio, Texas awarded $530,000 in damages.

See Martinez v. Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary Inc., Bexar Co., Texas, Dist. Ct., No. 2005-CI-10275 (5/5/06).