The cause of death listed is pending. What does this mean? When will the final cause of death be determined?
Often when an autopsy is performed additional information may be required to obtain a final determination. As a result, the actual cause of death is not initially listed on the death certificate. The cause of death may be listed as pending.


The additional information required routinely takes between six and eight weeks, occasionally longer, and includes:
  • Culture growth

  • Forensic entomology examinations (insects)

  • Forensic neuropathology examination

  • Microscopic examination

  • Toxicology

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1. What are the duties of the coroner?
2. Where is the jurisdiction of the coroner?
3. Who notifies the coroner of a death?
4. Are all deaths reported to the coroner?
5. Are all coroner records available to the public?
6. How do I obtain an Autopsy, Toxicology and/or Inquisition or Coroner Report?
7. What is the cost of those reports?
8. Who performs the autopsy?
9. Why are autopsies performed?
10. If an autopsy is performed, will the decedent still be able to be viewed at the funeral home?
11. Will an autopsy delay the funeral?
12. Does the coroner need approval from the next of kin to order an autopsy?
13. Can the family request an autopsy?
14. Who can retrieve the personal effects recovered from a decedent?
15. When will i know the cause of death?
16. The cause of death listed is pending. What does this mean? When will the final cause of death be determined?
17. How do I obtain a death certificate?
18. Where will my loved one be taken?
19. What do I do now?
20. What funeral home should I choose?