FAQs • Augusta • CivicEngage

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Who decides if an autopsy is required?: The law. According to the law, the cause and manner of death must be determined for every death, in most non-violent cases, we use medical information from the decedent’s medical record and family history to establish the most likely cause of death. If medical evidence cannot be established from these sources then an autopsy is required.

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Coroner

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1. How to obtain a Coroner’s report, autopsy report and toxicology report?: In most cases the Coroner’s report is available within three business days. Simply autopsy reports such as heart attacks or strokes, where the cause of death is obvious are normally ready within thirty days.
An autopsy report may take as long as twenty six weeks, depending on the level and type of test being done.

2. How do I get a death certificate?: The funeral home selected by the family will generate a death certificate and send it to the coroner’s office for signature; we sign the certificate and return it to the funeral home which in turn files it with the Georgia Department of Health, Vital Records section.

3. Who decides if an autopsy is required?: The law. According to the law, the cause and manner of death must be determined for every death, in most non-violent cases, we use medical information from the decedent’s medical record and family history to establish the most likely cause of death. If medical evidence cannot be established from these sources then an autopsy is required.

4. What happens to the personal property of the deceased?: Once the closest next of kinship has been established or a court order is issued naming an individual as the administrator of the estate all property is released to that person or persons.

5. What happens to the prescription drugs issued to the deceased?: Federal Law states that it is a violation to be in possession of drugs not issued to you by prescription, therefore, when a person dies all drugs issued to the deceased person are removed and destroyed.

6. Does the Coroner's office assist with funerals?: In most cases the answer is no. It is the families responsibility to assume custody of the decedent and bury the body. Even if there is no insurance on the decedent it is NOT the responsibility of the Coroner's office to bury the family member.

7. What happens to unclaimed bodies?: If the death has occurred within the last couple of hours and the body can be or has been removed to a refrigerated (morgue) room and NO next of kin is located the body may be turned over to science for research or teaching purposes. Some unclaimed bodies are buried in the "Paupers Cemetery" by the Coroner's Office.