Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences anyone can endure. It’s even worse if the death stemmed from hospital negligence. In Illinois, you might wonder if you need an autopsy on your loved one in this situation.
Why should you have an autopsy done on your loved one?
If you suspect that your loved one died due to medical malpractice or hospital negligence, you might want to have an autopsy done. Usually, doctors will offer a vague reason behind a person’s death in the hospital. You and your family might have additional questions that the doctor cannot or will not answer. An autopsy could bring you closure or at least the knowledge of what really happened.
Something to keep in mind is that if medical malpractice is, indeed, behind the death of your loved one, you might not get a factual answer about what happened.
What should you do if you suspect medical malpractice?
Suspecting medical malpractice was the cause of your loved one’s death means you should immediately act. However, you will also want to avoid having an autopsy done in the same hospital where your beloved family member has died. Instead, you should have an independent autopsy performed.
With medical malpractice as the potential cause of death, autopsies should be done as soon as possible after a person dies. You can look into your options for getting a private autopsy. The doctor who performs it can also work alongside your attorney. Of course, there are various expenses associated with a private autopsy, but it might be worth it if it brings peace of mind to your family.
