Gruesome death of toddler, and warning of other deaths or injuries, as reported in the news release of the American Association for Justice:
The Houston Chronicle (12/19, Flood) reported, "The parents of a two-year-old boy who was crushed to death by a headstone at a funeral last week have filed a lawsuit against the Pearland cemetery," alleging that "the funeral home operator was negligent for not making sure that the headstones were more stable." John Padilla, the Houston lawyer representing the parents, said, "We feel strongly the evidence will show there were numerous other headstones there not affixed to a base. Loose headstones pose an extreme risk to children, older people," and "even praying people who could reach up and touch one."
I have never heard of a case like it, the headstones are always secure, but you cannot what time or vandals will do to them.
This is not that a freak accident as some people report. Injuries and deaths resulting from unstable headstones do happen. I have professionally investigated two such situations where unstable headstones caused injuries. My research has tracked reported incident back to the late 1800’s. The insurance industry is aware of this type on incident and there are applicable maintenance standards.