If you dispute the cause of death, request an autopsy within 48 hours and have the medical records sealed at the same time
- High value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- Some willpower
In plain words
If you have doubts about the cause of death, you must request an autopsy within 48 hours of the death. If the hospital has refrigeration, this can be extended to 7 days. An autopsy also needs the written consent of the next of kin. If they don't sign, or the matter drags past the time limit, the responsibility for an unclear cause of death falls on the side that delayed. When you request the autopsy, ask also for the medical records to be sealed. Once the body is cremated, an autopsy can never be done.
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 25, tip 4. This section describes legal rules, mostly mainland China’s. It is general information, not legal advice; for your own case, talk to a lawyer. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer