Which deaths must be examined?

The Coroner is required by law to investigate all deaths (1) that occur outside a physician's care; (2) that are sudden or unexpected; (3) that cannot be ascertained to be a natural death by documented medical history and circumstances. The involvement of the Coroner’s Office does not mean that an autopsy will automatically be performed. The Coroner's Office may take jurisdiction over an apparently natural death if (1) the death was unexpected and no medical cause can be determined; (2) the decedent was not under the care of a physician, and/ or there is no prior documented medical history to explain the death; (3) the death might be a public health hazard; (4) there are extenuating and/ or suspicious circumstances associated with the death.

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1. What is the next step?
2. Will the Coroner make arrangements with a mortuary?
3. Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner's Office to identify the body?
4. Is viewing allowed?
5. Which deaths must be examined?
6. What is an autopsy and is it really necessary?
7. What if I disagree with the Coroner's Office's decision to do or not to do an autopsy?
8. Will an autopsy report be available?
9. How and when can personal possessions be claimed?
10. Where do I obtain the Death Certificate?
11. What about tissue/ organ donation?
12. Body Donation
13. Will I be charged for other Coroner services?
14. I need to enter my relative’s or friend’s residence, but it is sealed, what can I do?
15. Important numbers
16. Mortuaries
17. Cleaning services