BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing a Belleville funeral home, claiming they disfigured the body of her son and caused her and her family additional emotional distress.
Sharon Bennett filed a complaint March 9 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Serenity Memorial Chapel LLC, alleging breach of contract and negligence.
According to her complaint, Bennett entered into a contract with Serenity Memorial on July 2, 2020, for the transportation, preservation and funeral services of her son who passed away at his residence. She alleges her son's body was removed from the home "in unblemished condition" and transported to the funeral home. However, Bennett alleges that the next day Serenity informed her that her son had a black eye and a "swollen, disfigured face and other bruising. Bennett further alleges her son's body was so disfigured that he "was unrecognizable to his family" and that during the "arrangement process," the defendants were "antagonistic." She claims she and her family have suffered additional emotional distress and psychological harm as a result of the defendant's negligence and breach of duty.
Bennett seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. She is represented by Thomas Rich, Kristina Cooksey, Michelle Rich, Aaron Chappell and Caitlin Rich of Rich, Rich, Cooksey & Chappell PC in Fairview Heights.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 21-L-0233