[An autopsy may be required in deaths that have medical and legal issues and that must be investigated by the medical examiner's or coroner's office, the governmental office that is responsible for investigating deaths that are important to the public's health and welfare. Deaths that must be reported to and investigated by the medical examiner's or coroner's office can vary by state and may include those that have occurred:
* Suddenly or unexpectedly, including the sudden death of a child or adult, or the death of a person who was not under the care of a doctor at the time of death.
* As a result of any type of injury, including a fall, motor vehicle accident (MVA), drug overdose, or poisoning.
* Under suspicious circumstances, such as a suicide or murder.
* Under other circumstances defined by law.
In some of these deaths an autopsy may be required, and the coroner or medical examiner has the legal authority to order an autopsy without the consent of the deceased person's family (next of kin).
If an autopsy is not required by law, it cannot be performed unless the deceased person's family provides permission.]
https://www.blueshieldca.com/hw/arti...questid=929115
[Topic: Should I have an autopsy done on my loved one?]
https://www.blueshieldca.com/hw/arti...9#uz2102-Intro
How to Request an Autopsy
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=...ca629f83f82f8a