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Frequently Asked Questions
On behalf of the Chester County Coroner’s Office, we extend our deepest sympathy to you at this time. To assist you during this difficult time, we have prepared some answers to commonly asked questions. Please feel free to contact us if we may be of further service to you.
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What happens when a death is reported to the Coroner's Office?
- Natural deaths may be certified by the decedent's family physician when the likely cause of death is known based upon the medical history.
- When the family phisician cannot reach a decision regarding the cause of death within a reasonable degree of medical certainty and thererfore cannot certify the death, the Coroner's Office assumes jurisdiction and begins further investigation.
- More Information...
- How do I report a death?
- When a person dies suddenly or unexpectedly, your first duty is to
Call 9-1-1 for medical assistance and guidance.
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- It is the Role of the Coroner's Office to:
- Investigate the facts & circumstances concerning deaths that appear to have happened with the county.
- Determine identity of the deceased.
- Notify next of kin.
- Determine cause and manner of death.
- Determine whether or not an autopsy or an inquest should be conducted.
- More Information...
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- Why is the Coroner’s Office Involved?
- The Coroner Office is required to investigate all sudden, violent, traumatic or unexpected deaths. This includes deaths from apparent “natural diseases” but the individual’s treating physician has no knowledge of an existing medical condition that could credibly have caused the sudden death. Under these circumstances, it becomes the Coroner’s responsibility to determine how and why an individual died. The Coroner is also responsible for assuring the individual’s proper identity and that next of kin have been notified.
- A Coroner’s investigation will always include examination of the deceased, but may or may not include:
- Interviews with family members, doctors and/or witnesses;
- Photography of the deceased and/or the scene where death occurred;
- Autopsy of the body of the deceased;
- Toxicology of the deceased; and,
- Possibly collecting and holding any personal property from (or about) the deceased person that the Coroner feels may assist with the determinations.
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- Types of deaths investigated by the Coroner's Office.
- Deaths resulting from violence or trauma
- Sudden deaths where cause is not recognizable or cannot be certified by a physician based upon recent medical assistance
- Deaths occurring under suspiciaous circumstances (drugs, alcohol, or other toxins)
- Stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths
- Deaths of unidentified or unclaimed persons
- Deaths in police custody
- Deaths related to reportable contagious diseases
- Hospital inpatient deaths...
- occurring from surgery that cannot be explained by prior disease
- that result from accidental trauma
- that involve a facture
- Any questionable deaths
- ALL cremations must be authorized by the Coroner's Office.
- Where is my loved one being taken?
- The deceased is being taken to one of our County’s local hospital morgues - unless the Coroner releases jurisdiction. The Coroner may release jurisdiction if: the individual’s death is medically understood and/or expected, the deceased person’s attending physician is able to certify the death, and the Coroner agrees to release jurisdiction. Under these circumstances the body may be released to a funeral home of the family’s choice.
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- What do I do now?
- Contact the funeral director of your choice and advise him/her of what has transpired.
- Can I come see my loved one at the hospital?
- The visitation of a loved one is done at the funeral home. The viewing of the body at the local hospital morgue can only be accommodated in the context of extraordinary circumstances.
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- Are autopsies always performed when the Coroner investigates a death?
- Sometimes the Coroner may find it necessary to investigate a sudden or unexpected death, but after inquiry decide that enough information is present to determine the cause and manner of death, and that an autopsy is not necessary to make these determinations. Typically, these are cases of sudden deaths from “natural” disease processes.
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- Why are autopsies performed?
- There are a number of reasons why autopsies are performed. However, the basic reason is to determine how and why an individual died suddenly and/or unexpectedly. The determination of the “truth” is our only underlying motive. This “truth” may later be of great service to the family or a Court of Law. Frequently, families do find great comfort when they understand exactly how and why their loved one died.
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- Is there a charge for autopsies?
- There are no charges associated with autopsies when they are performed as part of an official Coroner’s investigation.
- How do I contact the Coroner’s Office?
- Simply call 610-344-6165 during normal business hours. The Office is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Dr. Satriale or Nancy Cheyne, Administrative Assistant to the Coroner, will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.
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- When will the body be released?
- Generally it should take no more than one to two days to complete the necessary post-mortem studies. Your Funeral Director will coordinate the release the release on your behalf.
- How do I obtain a Report of the Autopsy, Investigation, or Toxicology Findings?
- You will need to officially request a copy of an autopsy report from the Coroner’s Office. One copy of the Coroner’s findings is provided to the legal next of kin free of charge.
- Additional copies are provided for a reasonable fee.
- More Information...
We hope this information has been of help to you. We again extend our sincere sympathy to you during this most difficult time. Your loved one will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. The essence of a Coroner’s Inquiry is to search for the truth. Our impartial medical-legal investigation serves to support and protect the public. Please be assured that we are here to serve you.
If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Office at:
610-344-6165.
Content Last Modified on 8/12/2009 10:15:44 AM
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