An autopsy is a post-mortem (after the victim's death) medical procedure performed by a qualified pathologist. Autopsies generally take between two and four hours and will not spoil the appearance of the body during the funeral procession. Information about autopsy results is important for next-of-kin to end debates, assist in legal matters, provide insight into genetic conditions that may affect other family members, or help explain the cause of sudden death. Different states have different local laws regarding who can collect autopsy reports and results.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Requesting an Autopsy Report
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the autopsy
An autopsy is a procedure for examining the body of a deceased person, performed by an experienced pathologist. The pathologist will make a written report of the autopsy findings, including microscopic and laboratory examinations. Then, next of kin or other authorities can request a copy of the report. There are two types of autopsy procedures:
- Hospital autopsy: This type of autopsy generally refers to a post-mortem examination or post-mortem. Pathologists use surgical techniques in hospital autopsy procedures to perform external and internal examinations of patients' bodies. Hospital autopsies are intended to help answer specific questions about the cause of death, as well as identify diseases or problems related to the patient's death.
- Forensic autopsy: This type of autopsy can determine a person's cause of death, along with the nature of death (eg natural, accident, suicide, homicide). In addition, a forensic autopsy is conducted to determine the identity of the victim, along with the time of death and/or fatal injuries sustained. Evidence collected from bodies during forensic autopsy procedures can be used to prove or disprove a person's guilt or presumption of innocence in a criminal case.
Step 2. Check your state's policy on autopsy results
Autopsy policies vary from state to state. However, in general, most final autopsy reports are available 30-45 days after the procedure. Complicated cases can take up to 90 days before the final autopsy results are completed and available.
A comprehensive schematic of the autopsy policy can be found here. Autopsy reports in some states are limited to only next of kin or individuals who have a legitimate interest in the report. Some states make autopsy reports public records, although under certain circumstances they may be kept confidential
Step 3. Submit a written request for autopsy results
Most states require a written request for autopsy results. Details of the request, together with the address and request form, can be requested from the forensic and medical examiner's office.
- In most written requests, you must include your full name, address, telephone number, relationship with the victim, date of death, and where he died.
- In some states, the cause and nature of the victim's death is part of the public record. The rest of the information contained in the autopsy report is confidential and is considered medical records. The victim's next of kin, as well as other legal individuals such as the doctor who treated the victim, law enforcement officers investigating her death, and the district attorney, may submit a written request regarding the details of the autopsy report.
Part 2 of 2: Retrieving the Autopsy Report
Step 1. Look at the autopsy in person
In some states, you can read and review autopsy reports in person for free by making an appointment at the Forensic and Medical Examiner's Office. However, you cannot make a copy of the autopsy report or take it with you without paying a copy fee.
- Check the website of your state's Forensic and Medical Examiner's Office for more information.
- The Office of the Forensic and Medical Examination Board can provide much of the information needed to request an autopsy report. Major cities and counties generally have offices of forensic and medical examiner bodies.
Step 2. Pay for the autopsy report if necessary
Most autopsy reports are available free of charge to next of kin and other authorized individuals. However, some other states charge a fee for a complete and detailed autopsy report.
Costs for autopsy reports may vary. For example, the cost of an autopsy report in the city of Texas is $1,320.00 per page, and an autopsy in other areas costs $390.00 for a family member
Step 3. Receive reports by mail
The process for submitting a written request will vary from state to state. However, you will receive the autopsy report by regular mail. Remember, you must be patient because the application process can take quite a while until the report is received.
