On the benefits of requesting an autopsy

Over the last 13 or so years, I've worked with many families who have just lost a loved one. There is so much that goes through your mind when that sort of tragedy strikes; so much to think about and so much you do not want to think about. In my experience these overwhelming feelings are compounded when the death takes place in a health care facility under confusing or suspicious circumstances. Family members tend to feel anger (what did the hospital/doctors do or not do) and guilt (is there something I should have done differently), in additional to the sense of terrible loss. Getting answers that uncover why and how the death occurred when it did often seems to help family members cope with many of these emotions. The best pathway to understanding "why" is to have an autopsy performed.

Often the last thing on many people's minds when they have lost a loved one is submitting the deceased's body to the autopsy process. Frankly, it is a gruesome thought. However, nothing is better for uncovering answers, for getting to the bottom of why. If a medical malpractice lawsuit is to follow, an autopsy will be extremely helpful in putting together the case against the hospital, doctors and nurses.

I recently read an article in the New York Times written by a physician that offers a very nice explanation of the benefits of autopsy. You can read the article by clicking here.