ST. LOUIS – A Genevieve couple is suing a funeral home and a hospital over allegations they denied their ability to choose and control the handling of their daughter's remains.
Bryan Berg and Emily Berg filed a complaint on Oct. 26 in the St. Louis Circuit Court against Robert Schaefer, Schaefer Mortuary Services Inc. and Barnes-Jewish Hospital alleging negligent infliction of emotional distress and other counts.
According to the complaint, Emily Berg was admitted to Barnes Hospital in May 2017 while at 19 weeks pregnant with her daughter, Brylee. Following Brylee's death, the suit states the plaintiffs discussed with defendant Barnes-Jewish a fetopsy and genetic testing of her remains. They allege issues at the hospital caused a delay in the release of the remains to Robert Schaefer until June 28, 2017.
The plaintiffs allege they instructed Robert Schaefer not to cremate their daughter's remains but to save a hand and a foot for testing. The suit states Robert Schaefer later informed the plaintiffs that Brylee had been cremated without saving a hand or foot.
The plaintiffs hold Schaefer, Schaefer Mortuary Services Inc. and Barnes-Jewish Hospital responsible because the defendants allegedly denied their ability to choose and control the burial, cremation and other final rights.
The plaintiffs seek judgment against defendants, jointly and severally, in an amount greater than $25,000, attorney's fees, costs, interest and all other relief that is just and proper. They are represented by Joseph L. Goff Sr. of Reeves & Goff PC in Farmington and D. Matthew Dreesen of The Dreesen Law Firm LLC in Chesterfield.
St. Louis Circuit Court case number 1822-CC11508