Deceased man’s son sues Morris David’s
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Morris-David’s Safford Funeral Home is named the defendant in a civil lawsuit filed in Pima County Superior Court by Matthew Mendoza, whose father’s remains were in the care of the funeral home in 2007.
The civil suit is the latest action taken against the funeral home in connection with mishandling of Clifton resident Fred Mendoza’s remains, which were placed in Morris-David’s care in August 2007.
Scottsdale attorney Greg Davis is representing Matt Mendoza in the suit. Davis said Monday that his client was damaged emotionally and financially by Morris-David’s and its owners, Carl and Melissa Morris. He said his client will likely not gain financially from the lawsuit.
“This is about the principle. These people need to be stopped,” Davis said.
Carl and Melissa Morris declined to comment on the pending lawsuit. They also declined to comment on the consent agreement and revocation/probation order issued by the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in connection with the case.
The state board ordered the revocation of the funeral home’s license; however, the revocation was stayed until Feb. 1, 2009, to allow the Morrises time to finalize the affairs of the funeral home.
“As of Feb. 1, that business will no longer exist,” Rudy Thomas, executive director of the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, said Monday.
Carl denied Monday that the funeral home will close by Feb. 1.
Mendoza filed a complaint with the state board after he was not permitted to see his father prior to cremation and did not receive his father’s personal effects. Mendoza also alleged that the death certificate was forged.
“They had no right taking stuff from my father. They had no right to keep me from my father,” Mendoza said.
According to the consent order from the state board, the Morrises admitted to the board’s findings of fact and conclusions of law, including that the funeral home staff was not responsive to Mendoza’s requirements or needs concerning funeral arrangements; did not allow Mendoza to see his father’s body before cremation; failed to deal with consumers in an “honest and truthful manner”; did not document the inventory of the deceased’s property; failed to provide a price list and consumer information; and issued a death certificate with multiple errors. The medical examiner denies the signatures are his.
Anyone who purchased pre-arranged burial insurance through Morris-David’s will be served by another funeral home or by the state board. For more information contact the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers at 602-542-3095.
