Medical examiners and coroners investigate deaths that are sudden, unexpected, violent, or occur under suspicious circumstances to determine cause and manner of death for legal and public health purposes. These offices serve a critical forensic and public health function, supporting law enforcement investigations and contributing to vital statistics.
There are 52 states with Medical Coroner locations across the United States. Medical examiners and coroners investigate approximately 500,000 deaths annually in the United States, including homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexplained natural deaths.
Medical Coroner in the United States
Browsing by state helps families, attorneys, and law enforcement agencies find the medical examiner or coroner's office responsible for a specific jurisdiction to request death certificates, autopsy reports, and case information.
Common Services
- Death investigation and cause/manner of death determination
- Autopsy and toxicology examination services
- Death certificate documentation for vital records purposes
- Identification of unknown deceased individuals
Families seeking information about a loved one's death investigation should contact the medical examiner or coroner's office directly. Release of autopsy results and toxicology reports typically takes several weeks and may be provided to the next of kin upon written request.
For official information, visit National Association of Medical Examiners.
About Medical Coroner
Medical examiners are licensed physicians appointed by government agencies, while coroners are typically elected officials who may or may not have medical training depending on state law. About half of U.S. states use a medical examiner system while others use elected coroners, with some using a hybrid approach.
Common Services
- Drug overdose surveillance and public health data reporting
- Expert witness testimony in criminal and civil proceedings
- Mass fatality incident management and identification
- Body release coordination with funeral homes and next of kin
Attorneys requesting autopsy reports or toxicology results for litigation should submit a formal written authorization from the next of kin or a court order to the medical examiner's public records office along with applicable fees.
For official information, visit National Association of Medical Examiners.