Maison Law guides families through wrongful death claims after a fatal accident in California. It’s a situation no one wants to be in, but when it does happen, there’s certain documentation that’ll be needed for the claim–including what you’ll need from the coroner. Our team can help you gather everything you need and then support you throughout the claims process. Reach out today for a free consultation.
What Documents Will I Need From the Coroner After a Fatal Accident?
After a fatal accident, it’s hard to know where to turn or what to do next. But in the days or weeks following the accident, there’s going to be important documentation that will come into play, like:
- Death certificate – This is the official record of your loved one’s passing. It lists the date, place, and cause of death. Families usually need several certified copies to handle practical matters like insurance, closing accounts, and handling estates.
- Coroner’s (or Medical Examiner’s) report – This report outlines the findings from the coroner’s investigation, including the cause and manner of death. It can be an important piece of evidence if legal action is involved.
- Autopsy report – If an autopsy was performed, the report provides detailed medical findings about injuries and the exact cause of death. While it may take some time before the report is ready, it can give families clearer answers about what happened.
- Release of personal effects – If the coroner’s office collected your loved one’s belongings, they’ll typically ask you to complete paperwork before those items are returned to you.
Each of these documents can feel difficult to request and even harder to read. Still, they play a central role in understanding what happened and making sure the full picture is documented. When families pursue a wrongful death claim, these reports often serve as key evidence. But this brings up an important point: how do I get these documents?
How Do I Request Documents From the Coroner After a Fatal Accident?
For as overwhelming as a fatal accident can be, there’s still a legal process in place to help you and your family. And that comes with the need for information and evidence like the above documentation. But how do you get it? The answer depends on what you’re asking for, but generally, you have to request them from the office officially. While the process may vary slightly from county to county, here’s how you’ll usually go about it:
- Wait for the coroner’s investigation to be finished –The coroner won’t release reports until their investigation is done. This can take a few weeks, and sometimes longer if lab tests are involved.
- Make a request to the county coroner’s office – Most counties have a simple form you fill out, either online or on paper. You may need to show ID and proof that you are the closest legal relative.
- Pay a small fee – The coroner’s office usually charges for copies of the reports. The amount depends on the county and how many documents you ask for.
- Get the records – Once your request is processed, the coroner will send you the available reports. These may include the investigation summary, autopsy results (if one was done), and any toxicology findings. Keep in mind that death certificates are not issued by the coroner—they come from the county’s vital records office.
There’s something important here: these records are probably going to contain graphic details that can be difficult to face. Many families find it overwhelming to look at these documents on their own. If you’re pursuing a wrongful death claim, our team can request the records for you, help interpret them, and share only what you need to know.
How Can I File a Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Accident?
Once you have your documentation from the coroner or vital records office, it’s going to be an important step in your family’s legal options. With that said, the process is a little different from a regular injury claim. Instead of a personal injury case, you and your family are going to need to file what’s called a “wrongful death” claim.
Not just anyone can bring this type of claim. In California, it usually starts with a:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner.
- Child
If none of them are living, other relatives—like parents, stepchildren, or those named in a will—may be able to step in. But once it’s clear who has the legal right to file, the case typically moves forward in one of two ways: through an insurance claim or through a lawsuit.
The process is similar to an injury claim, but the focus is different. Instead of centering on injuries, a wrongful death claim looks at the losses a family faces after losing someone they depended on. This can include things like:
- The loss of financial or parental support
- Medical bills tied to the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The loss of love, companionship, and guidance
- The grief and emotional pain left behind
- The loss of future income and benefits
You and your family should know there’s only a two-year window in California to bring a wrongful death claim. While that may sound like plenty of time, it goes by quickly, and the sooner a claim is started, the easier it is to gather these records and documents. And remember, our team will be there from the very beginning to help.
Get Help From Maison Law After a Fatal Accident in California
At Maison Law, we know no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one. But a wrongful death claim can ease some of the financial strain and hold the right people accountable.
Our California wrongful death lawyers are here to guide you through each step of the process. You don’t have to carry this burden on your own. If you’d like to talk about your options, we offer free consultations and can help you figure out the next steps when you’re ready.
