Quote:
Originally posted by jimmy3way
This makes it seem like total bullshit, why would any medical examiner perform an autopsy on a sick old men?
My dad was a sick old man, when he died we called the funeral home and they put him in a box, some deputy issued a death certificate at the funeral home.
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Some families want autopsies (I wouldn't - at least I don't think I would for my dad), and in some cases - there is a required investigation. Laws vary state to state - inc Cali:
A. The following is a list of the deaths the Coroner is required by the State of California to investigate. (Govt. Code 27491)
Unattended deaths (No physician in attendance or during the continued absence of the attending physician)
Wherein the deceased has not been attended by a physician in the 20 days prior to death
Physician unable to state the cause of death. (Unwillingness does not apply)
Known or suspected homicide.
Known or suspected suicide.
Involving any criminal action or suspicion of a criminal act.
Related to or following known or suspected self-induced or criminal abortion.
Associated with a known or alleged rape or crime against nature.
Following an accident or injury. (Primary or contributory)
Drowning, fire, gunshot, stabbing, starvation, exposure, alcoholism, drug addiction or aspiration.
Accidental poisoning. (e.g. chemical, drug, prescription)
Occupation diseases or occupational hazards.
Known or suspected contagious disease and constituting a public hazard.
All deaths in operating rooms and all deaths where a patient has not fully recovered from an anesthetic, whether in surgery, recovery room or elsewhere.
In prison or while under sentence.
All deaths of unidentified persons.
All deaths where the patient is comatose throughout the period of the physician?s attendance.
Suspected Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (crib deaths)
All fetal deaths when gestation period is 20 weeks or longer.
So even if he was sick, everyone knew it, and he didn't see a doc in 20 days before he died - they still would have to investigate (although I don't know if that means they HAVE to do an autopsy).
http://www.mariposacounty.org/sherif...nformation.htm