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FEATURE

The private autopsy is conducted in the same manner This review, and additional independent examination, are as close
as the medical examiner / coroner authorized autopsy. to a second autopsy as can be done, without having the body to
This includes gross external examination, and internal examine. Of course, any autopsy without a body is subject to the
examination of the body, toxicology, and microscopic limitations of not being able to examine first-hand, as well as retain
tissue examinations. The forensic pathologist will also their own specimens. We also recommend an expert medicolegal
request the decedent’s medical history, and circumstances death investigator assist with the review of the official investigative
of their death. We also recommend an expert medicolegal records, reports, and photographs with the forensic pathologist.
death investigator assist with the autopsy and investigative
processes, much as a medical examiner / coroner system
has available. Forensic Body Documentation

As with the Forensic Pathology Review (above), the body can
Second Full Autopsy be documented by photographs, video, diagramming, and any
additional evidence collection. A forensic pathologist may provide
If an autopsy has been completed or the case is not in the this service, or it is most often provided by an expert medicolegal
jurisdiction of the medical examiner / coroner or private death investigator. Due to the nature of the evidence, documentation,
autopsy – and may include exhumation, the next-of-kin examination, and potential testimony, we recommend this be done
can request a private autopsy. A second autopsy is most with expert experience considered. There are specific steps and
common when there is a claim or dispute in the findings protocols to follow, as well as potential evidence to look for in the
of the original autopsy. In media, we see this in potentially examination and documentation.
high-profile cases – such as law enforcement involved
deaths. We may also see these where it is believe the first
autopsy missed something, or did not conduct a specific What Steps to Follow
test or examination, or where new evidence has been
found and a second autopsy is necessary. Each of these available options – from autopsy to review – can be
conducted at a morgue or funeral home setting, dependent on what
A second autopsy is also conducted as a Private Autopsy is logistically available. To further the findings of an unexpected
(above) and is also limited to the body being available, death involved in litigation, time is of the essence and immediate
which would include embalmed and exhumed bodies. action must be taken, to include:
Being embalmed presents some issues, but does not
hinder a second autopsy or findings. As with the original Obtain notarized consent from the next-of-kin or court order;
autopsy, the forensic pathologist will also request the
decedent’s medical history, and circumstances of their • Provide an immediate letter of preservation, or court order, to the
death. In addition, they will dissect their own tissue for medical examiner / coroner’s office and/or funeral home or other
microscopic examination, and specimens for toxicology; custodian of the body;
they will also likely re-examine and test specimens from
the original autopsy in microscopy and toxicology. In • Provide an immediate letter of preservation, or court order, to the
addition, we also recommend an expert medicolegal medical examiner / coroner’s office, funeral home, hospital or other
death investigator assist with the autopsy and investigative custodian of the tissue (histology) and toxicology specimens; and
processes.
• Make immediate arrangements with a board certified forensic
pathologist and/or expert medicolegal death investigator.
Forensic Pathology Review
You can learn about Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC, at
If an autopsy has been completed, however, the www.DeathCaseReview.com/Attorneys.html for details, CVs, and
body is not available for a second autopsy (cremated, information packets.
not exhumed, logistically not available, or a forensic
pathologist is unavailable) or there was no autopsy, there
are alternatives, the first of which is an independent
review by a forensic pathologist. This review would
include the original autopsy report, toxicology results,
medical history and circumstances of death as known at
the time of the original autopsy.

Based on the findings of the review, or in consideration
of the circumstances in litigation, the forensic pathologist
may recommend also doing an independent examination
of any retained specimens for microscopy and toxicology. Image: Wikipedia
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