Sometimes a death occurs under circumstances that must be reported by law. This could include sudden, unexplained, suspicious, or unattended deaths. If there is no treating physician who can certify the cause of death, law enforcement or medical personnel notify a medical examiner or coroner, who then investigates and may certify the cause of death
What Is the Difference Between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner?
Although the names are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in most jurisdictions. A medical examiner is generally an appointed physician, often a forensic pathologist, who investigates deaths, performs or oversees autopsies, and certifies causes of death. A coroner is typically an elected official and is not required to be a physician, although some coroners do have medical or forensic training. A coroner’s responsibilities include investigating deaths, ordering autopsies, and overseeing forensic pathologists or other medical professionals.
Whether a jurisdiction uses a coroner or medical examiner system depends on state laws.
When Do You Call a Coroner or Medical Examiner?
Trick question. You generally do not call a coroner or medical examiner directly; law enforcement or medical personnel do. A coroner or medical examiner becomes involved when the law requires that a death be reported, typically when the death is:
- Sudden, unexpected, or suspicious
- Appears related to an accident, suicide, or homicide
- When a doctor cannot determine or certify the cause of death
If a loved one was suffering a terminal illness, such as congestive heart failure or cancer, and passed away from a natural death, their treating doctor can sign a statement as to the cause of death. For example, if someone in hospice care dies, a physician would be able to certify the cause of death. It is different, however, if someone dies alone without a treating physician.
In those situations, typically someone will call 911, and law enforcement will assess the situation and contact a medical examiner or coroner. Often, these types of death occur if a person dies:
- At home or in public with no one else present
- Unexpectedly, without a known life-threatening condition
- Under suspicious circumstances, such as foul play
- As a result of an accident, suicide, or homicide
- Without a treating doctor who can sign the death certificate
- In custody, such as jail, prison, or state facilities
What Happens to the Body If a Coroner or Medical Examiner Is Involved?
First, investigators document the scene of death and record any evidence that would help determine the cause of death. Then the deceased is transported to a medical facility where they will be received, assigned a case number, and stored in a refrigerated unit until there is an examination or autopsy. After the examination and cause of death is determined, the coroner or medical examiner will sign the death certificate and release the body, along with personal property, to a funeral home or mortuary as directed by the next of kin. At that time, the funeral director can then proceed with funeral arrangements and burial or cremation.
The legal next of kin may request a copy of the autopsy report from the coroner’s office to find out about the decedent’s manner of death.
What Does a Coroner or Medical Examiner Do?
A coroner or medical examiner is responsible for examining, determining, and certifying the cause of death. This death investigation may include an external examination, internal organ examination, and may require toxicology or other forensic science tests. A medical examiner may perform the autopsy themselves, while a coroner’s investigation involves ordering a forensic scientist to perform the autopsy.
When Is an Autopsy Required?
An autopsy is required when there is a death that is sudden, suspicious, or involves foul play, accidents or public health concerns such as contagious diseases. A coroner or medical examiner orders an autopsy under these circumstances. Although not required, family members may request an autopsy to help identify any genetic medical conditions or get closure on a loved one's death. If a coroner or medical examiner does not deem an autopsy as necessary, the family may have to pay for the autopsy.
Coroners and medical examiners play a critical role when a death is unexpected, suspicious, or cannot be certified by a treating physician. They examine the evidence and the body to explain and document the cause of death so loved ones can proceed with funeral arrangements. However, you may want to contact a personal injury attorney if there is a wrongful death, so they can help ensure proper handling of medical records and reports and advise you about potential claims.
Related Resources:
- Estate Planning (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- 5 Legal Facts About Autopsies That You May Not Know (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
- Wrongful Death Law (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
