A medical examiner is a professional who performs autopsies and other post-mortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death.

If you have had a medical examiner investigate the death of someone you know, there are several steps you should take right away. These steps can help you understand the circumstances surrounding the death, protect your rights, and ensure that the proper procedures were followed.

1. Gather information

The first thing you should do after a medical examiner is called is to gather as much information as possible about the circumstances surrounding the death.

This includes the name of the deceased, the time and place of death, and the reason for the medical examiner’s involvement. You should also ask if an autopsy or other testing will be performed, and if so, what kind of testing will be done. This information will be important as you move forward in dealing with the results of the medical examiner’s investigation.

2. Contact an attorney

After you have gathered all available information, it is important to contact an attorney who has experience in dealing with medical examiner cases.

An attorney can help you understand your rights, explain the legal process, and ensure that your interests are protected. It is particularly important to speak with an attorney if you have concerns about the validity of the medical examiner’s findings or if you believe there may be legal issues arising from the death.

3. Obtain a copy of the autopsy report

The autopsy report is a detailed document that describes the findings of the medical examiner’s investigation. This report can be a valuable source of information as you seek to understand the cause and manner of death.

You should obtain a copy of the report as soon as possible after it is completed. Review the report carefully and ask your attorney to help you understand any technical or legal terms that may be confusing.

4. Attend the inquest

An inquest is a legal proceeding that occurs after a medical examiner’s investigation. This proceeding allows interested parties to hear testimony and evidence related to the death and to ask questions of witnesses.

If an inquest is scheduled, it is important to attend. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions, hear the testimony of witnesses, and ensure that the proper procedures were followed during the medical examiner’s investigation.

5. Consider your options

After you have gathered information, spoken with an attorney, obtained a copy of the autopsy report, and attended the inquest, you should consider your options.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, you may have legal remedies available to you. For example, if you believe that the medical examiner’s findings were incorrect or incomplete, you may be able to challenge those findings in court. Your attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action.