If someone passes away unexpectedly and the cause of death is unknown the county medical examiner’s office will investigate to figure it out. How they go about doing that is at the discretion of the medical examiner, and what they find can depend on their knowledge and experience.
In the vast majority of cases the medical examiner is able to figure out the cause and manner of death and there are no extenuating circumstances requiring further investigation. However, there are instances when that isn’t the case. There are situations when a family may need to enlist the help of a private forensics pathologist to get answers.
A Private Forensics Pathologist May Be Hired If an Autopsy Wasn’t Performed
Even if a person died for an unknown reason the medical examiner may not perform an autopsy. They may decide that reviewing medical records and a physical examination is enough to determine the cause of death.
When this happens the family can choose to hire a forensics pathologist to perform an autopsy. Private forensics laboratories have forensic pathologists that can do an autopsy and even review the medical examiner’s records to verify what they found or provide new information about the cause and manner of death.
The Family Questions the Medical Examiner’s Findings
Sometimes what the medical examiner finds simply doesn’t seem right to the family. The family may question how the investigation was conducted or the skill of the medical examiner. In those instances a private forensics pathologist can be called upon to do their own investigation. The family will have more control over the services and how the investigation is conducted, which provides more assurance.
There’s a Criminal or Civil Case That Requires Forensic Evidence
If there’s a criminal or civil case connected to a death a private forensics pathologist may be hired to delve deeper into the evidence. When this is the case it may not be the family that turns to a private forensics laboratory. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, companies and law enforcement utilize private forensics laboratories when things come up short at the medical examiner’s office, a second opinion is needed or they want a pathologist to serve as an expert witness.
Forensic Evidence is Needed for Insurance Purposes
Life insurance claims are dependent on the cause of death. If a person dies in certain ways the insurance company may deny the claim and refuse to pay beneficiaries. This can happen if it’s determined the individual committed suicide, had an overdose or died as a result of criminal or illegal activity. The family may need a private forensics pathologist to provide evidence in order to prove otherwise and get the policy paid out.
If you are dealing with investigations into a death while trying to make funeral arrangements, Direct Cremate is here to help. We can take care of arranging cremation services no matter the timeline. Call or text us at any hour for assistance at any time.