Which deaths are reported to the Medical Examiner?
Wisconsin State Statute 979.01 outlines deaths that must be reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The types of deaths include the following:
- Deaths with unexplained, unusual, or suspicious circumstances
- Homicides
- Suicides
- Accidental deaths, regardless of whether the injury is the primary cause of death
- Maternal deaths following an abortion
- Poisonings, whether homicidal, suicidal, or accidental
- Cases when the physician caring for the decedent refuses to sign the death certificate
- Cases when a physician is not available to certify the death in the required timeframe (Requirement is within 6 days of death pronouncement)
- Deaths while in the custody of a law enforcement agency, state or federal department of corrections, or involving actions of a law enforcement officer
Our office also receives reports in other circumstances
- Emergency room deaths
- Deaths of patients within 24 hours of admission to a health care facility
- Deaths associated with a diagnostic, anesthetic, or therapeutic procedure
- Unidentified remains or bones discovered outside of a designated burial place
What is a death investigation?
Upon report of a death, our office collects information from a variety of sources. These sources include medical personnel and records, law enforcement agencies, witnesses, family, and friends. Investigations take place both over the phone and in-person at death scenes.
Our office reviews the facts gathered on each case. We assess whether it is our responsibility to determine cause and manner of death. During the investigation, the decedent’s body may be transported to our office. When we accept authority, we decide what type of examination is necessary.
