Chesapeak, Virginia.A lady from Virginia has sued two funeral homes for $5 million, claiming that during a viewing in May 2022, her son’s body was displayed in an open casket that was teeming with maggots.
According to the lawsuit, Tabitha Worrell, clumps of maggots were found on her son’s face, nose, and mouth when she and other mourners approached his casket at Snellings Funeral Home in Chesapeake. On May 2, 2022, her son, Tomeon Williams, lost his life in a car accident.
Snellings Funeral Home and its parent firm, Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home of Norfolk, are named in the case, which was filed recently. It alleges negligence and breach of contract in the preparation and handling of Williams’ remains.
According to the complaint, the disgusting display of Torreon Williams’ body shocked and horrified the plaintiff, her family, and friends. It also claims that maggots were clearly crawling and had sunk into parts of his face that had not previously been harmed.
According to Worrell, she made a down payment of $3,000 for funeral services that included corpse dressing and hygienic care. According to the lawsuit, the facility was heated and the doors were left open when mourners arrived for the May 9 viewing.
Funeral workers allegedly mentioned fly activity in their remarks.
According to the document, one male employee said that flies had affected Williams after family members expressed concern about his body’s state. As Worrell reacted to the scenario, another employee allegedly advised her, “Don’t make a scene.”
According to the lawsuit, the staff deliberately overlooked the maggots, which had been there for a considerable amount of time. According to reports, the insects were most prevalent in areas of fresh face injuries, such as mouth and cheek holes.
The complaint also claims that Williams’ body was displayed in a horrific manner because the funeral houses neglected to properly prepare, preserve, and inspect it before the viewing.
Worrell is requesting $5 million in damages, in addition to interest and court fees from May 9, 2022. Regarding the incident, no criminal charges have been brought.
