{"id":1077,"date":"2022-07-19T15:30:24","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T15:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/donahoekearney.com\/?post_type=faqs&p=1077"},"modified":"2025-06-04T20:47:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T20:47:44","slug":"do-we-need-an-autopsy-to-determine-the-cause-of-death-for-someone-who-died-in-the-hospital","status":"publish","type":"faqs","link":"https:\/\/donahoekearney.com\/faqs\/do-we-need-an-autopsy-to-determine-the-cause-of-death-for-someone-who-died-in-the-hospital\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Request an Autopsy for a Medical Malpractice Case?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Requesting An Autopsy From A DC Area Hospital After Malpractice Is Suspected<\/h2>\n

Sometimes an autopsy will be performed if a person died unexpectedly, was in otherwise good health, or died after routine surgery, procedure, medication, etc., especially if they were a young person. And sometimes the cause of death is known without an autopsy – the person had cancer or some terminal disease for example.<\/p>\n

But there are times when a family member may die unexpectedly and the only way to get answers as to what happened and why is to request an autopsy be performed. A pathologist will examine the body and review slides microscopically to determine the cause of death.<\/p>\n

How can this help you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If your loved one died due to a genetic condition or some preventable cause, this can help you and your family get medical attention and specific knowledge of your family health history. If a patient dies because of bad medical care, one of the elements to prove in any medical malpractice case<\/a> is the cause of death – and autopsy findings can be critical evidence.<\/p>\n

If a hospital or medical examiner won’t provide an autopsy, families can obtain a private autopsy – this just means they pay a private pathologist to perform the autopsy. Most hospitals have lists of local pathologists who perform autopsies. Do you have questions about a potential medical malpractice claim? Give us a call today at 202-393-3320<\/a> and also discover the truth about medical malpractice by reading our free, signature book “7 Symptoms of Medical Malpractice<\/a>.” If more convenient, schedule a time<\/a> to talk that works for you.<\/p>\n

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