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If a loved one has died in a hospital or other medical facility, one of the first questions the family often gets asked is, "do you want an autopsy." At that point in time, you are likely mourning the loss of a loved one and the thought of putting their remains through that kind of process seems wrong. However, if you suspect that medical malpractice may have occurred or that you may want to have an attorney investigate a medical malpractice case once things settle down-you should request an autopsy.
While the timing to request an autopsy is never good, you cannot go back in time. Once someone is cremated or buried, valuable information is often lost forever. In a medical malpractice case, the defense may try to offer an alternative explanation for someone's death (possibly related to the deceased's preexisting medical conditions or something that seems entirely made up). An autopsy can often times definitively establish the cause of death which is very important in medical malpractice cases. While an autopsy is not always necessary to pursue or prove a wrongful death case, too often we receive calls from families who want justice, but where proof about the cause of death is lacking. If in doubt, request an autopsy.
If you have questions about medical malpractice or the wrongful death of a loved one, give us a call at 813-284-4024. One of our attorneys would be happy to discuss your potential claims.
