The short answer is yes! You should be prepared to state the following: “I am formally requesting that an autopsy be performed on (name of your family member). What documents do I need to sign to make sure an autopsy is performed?” Write down the date, time, and location of when the request was first made and the name and title of the person to whom the request was made.
An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death. It is a critical piece of evidence used to prove cause of death. If a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence, getting an autopsy exam is an important step you should be prepared to take.
When the cause of death is unclear, suspicious, or involves potential negligence or wrongdoing, families have the right to request an autopsy for their loved ones. By doing so, you can confirm that injuries were caused by the incident in question. For example, in a medical malpractice case, an autopsy could reveal that a patient passed away due to an undetected complication after surgery, which could have been treated if it was identified on time. Similarly, in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, an autopsy could reveal that the victim died from internal injuries that were not clearly noticeable.
Autopsies also help determine someone’s time of death. This is particularly important in survival claims, where knowing how long the victim lived after the injury can impact the compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced prior to death. Knowing the severity and extent of those injuries helps your attorney build a stronger case to support the damages you seek.
For wrongful death claims, the family is compensated for their loss, including their grief and sorrow—your grief and sorrow. An autopsy in this case helps establish that the death was directly caused by another party’s negligence, which provides the evidence to hold them accountable.
Trauma Lawyers helps victims and their families navigate the complex legal system and seek justice for their injuries. If you or someone you know has lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, remember to request an autopsy and don’t hesitate to reach out for experienced legal representation. Call Trauma Lawyers at 312-781-0082 for a free consultation today.