I wanted my dog privately cremated but the vet screwed up & he had a communal cremation.has this happened b4?

Our 15 year old Golden Retriever ped away on Jan 2, 2008. We requested a private cremation so that the ashes would be returned to us. Our intention was to bring McKenzie back home the only way we could. After being lied to for a week by the girl at the front desk, we discovered that McKenzie had a communal cremation. We are truly suffering because this was the last thing we could do for our dog and it was screwed up by incompetence. I've contacted an attorney and the veterinarian hospital is taking full responsibility for the mistake. They really feel awful but we are devastated. Has this happened to anyone? Have you sued? Thanks.