How do you obtain autopsy results?

Question

My mother dies suddenly Christmas 2004, and I still do not know what took her from me.. How can I find out the results of her autopsy, if I did not pay for the actual autopsy?

Answer 1

Are you sure an autopsy was performed? I am not trying to be rude but alot of people assume because someone dies suddenly and unexpected that one is performed. My mother was a police officer who was injured in the line of duty she underwent surgery to save her life from this injury and shortly after surgery she died. There was no autopsy performed. There is always a cause of death which will be on the death certificate. If there was an autopsy the next of kin can request the results. If she was married the next of kin would be her spouse NOT her children and by law most places will not release information to anyone other then next of kin.

Answer 2

You have to contact the coroner's office. Inform them that you would like a copy of you mother's autopsy. That is if one was performed. If there was any underlying illness they would ask the (closest relative) spouse/older sibling/you , if they wanted an autopsy performed, because in some cases, with an OK ,her treating physician can sign off on a Death Certificate if okay-ed by the closest relative (husband,oldest sibling..) . If no autopsy was performed the only thing available is a Death Certificate stating the cause of death.

Answer 3

find out who actually authorized for her to have an autopsy. Get ahold of this person and ask to see the report. Hope that this helps. You could also start asking questions to other family members...and get an idea of what happened. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

The coronor's office should have sent you her death certificate. The death certificate should mention cause of death. I think you can always contact the coronor's office.