#United States #Class Action #Louisville #St. Stephen's Cemetery

$1.25 Million Settlement Proposed for St. Stephen's Cemetery

In a notable development in Louisville, Kentucky, a class action lawsuit has led to a proposed settlement of $1.25 million related to St. Stephen's Cemetery. The case, involving Tina Seaton and others against the St. Stephen's Cemetery Association, raises serious allegations of gross negligence by the cemetery's management.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed under case number 17-CI-1663, accuses the cemetery and its board members, along with the caretaker, of failing to maintain proper records regarding the burial locations of bodies. This oversight allegedly resulted in improper burial practices, including burying bodies in incorrect locations contrary to Kentucky's cemetery laws. Concerns regarding the management of burial plots, service integrity, and compliance with regulations form the crux of the complaint.

Who Is Affected?

The settlement class encompasses all individuals who either purchased burial plots or are the next of kin or surviving spouses of those who did so at St. Stephen's Cemetery between January 1, 1992, and February 24, 2017. Affected individuals are encouraged to file claims to receive their proportional share of the settlement, which will be distributed based on criteria such as the number of graves purchased and the number of relatives interred in the cemetery during the stipulated timeframe.

Claim Process

To partake in the settlement, class members need to submit a completed and signed claim form along with appropriate documentation confirming their eligibility. Claim forms are accessible online at the dedicated website, www.KYCemeterySettlement.com, where they can be filled out digitally or printed for mailing. The deadline for submitting claims will be established during the fairness hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025.

Opt-out and Objection

Individuals who prefer not to be bound by the terms of the settlement must formally opt out by February 7, 2025. Failing to opt out means that they forfeit the right to litigate against St. Stephen's Cemetery regarding any claims released by this settlement. However, should individuals wish to express objections or voice their intent to participate in the Final Approval Hearing, they can do so with notifications due by the same opt-out date. Further details are available online.

Final Approval Hearing

The Court's Final Approval Hearing will occur on March 24, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville. During this session, the court will approve the settlement agreement and evaluate the proposed service awards for class representatives. Additionally, the court will review requests for attorneys' fees, which could amount to one-third of the settlement funds.

Conclusion

The outcome of this class action lawsuit represents a significant step for many affected by the alleged mismanagement at St. Stephen's Cemetery. As the March hearing approaches, the involved parties and claimants will be watching closely to ensure their voices are heard in the proceedings. The ongoing legal developments provide crucial insights into the accountability and standards expected from cemetery associations to uphold their duties to the community.