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How does a family member get an autopsy for a death without paying for it?; this could be a medical malpractice situation.
Anonymous1 views5 answers
My aunt died at home today in Alabama a few days after a hospital accidentally nicked an artery during a heart operation - I think there is a connection. My uncle cannot afford an autopsy, though, and he may have a medical malpractice case on his hands. How does a family member get an autopsy without having to pay for it?
I think you need to ask this question in the Alabama section, not the Portland, Oregon situation. Where you live is not important - the relevant location is where your aunt's body is.
Peter Robert StonePersonal Injury LawyerCitrus Heights, CA ·
You need to contact the local coroner and tell him the suspicious circumstances and ask for oe. You need to contact a local attorney who might be able to help you obtain one.
Do not let the nursing home embalm her until you have called the state medical examiner and ask if they will do the autopsy. On a death at home like this, they should take jurisdiction. If that does not work, then a malpractice attorney in Alabama may be able to help the family line up an autopsy that would be affordable.
I am not licensed in AL and can offer you only general advice. You will need to contact a lawyer in AL for specific advice. First, it may be impossible to pursue any civil action if there is no autopsy. In any civil action it is the Plaintiff's burden to prove the damages or death in this case were caused by the negligent act. You should also know that it is your uncle or cousins who most likely have the right to bring the civil suit. I can also tell you generally that nicking an artery may not be a negligent act. Depending on the procedure it may be a risk of the procedure. You will need a lot more information for an AL lawyer to help evaluate the case.
Betsey Herd
Tampa Florida
