Does the medical examiners office have to do an autopsy if the doctor that handles the case refers an autopsy?

[macquaid35]

My mother passed away resently, and very unexpectedly. The emergency room doctor that handled her case refered her autopsy to the medical examiners office. Despite the refferal, the medical examiner did not perform the autopsy and my mother was cremated. I don't know the exact laws of the state of new jersey for this type of situation, but it just seems to me that legally they should have performed the autopsy that my family, and the doctor, recommended. Is this medical malpractice or neglegance? If so, what are my chances of pursuing this case as a law suit against the examiner's office? Please list legitimate sources. Thank you.

[karlitis]

I'm sorry you lost your mother.

Your mother was cremated at the consent of your family. And full autopsies aren't usually done unless the death was unattended or there is no explanation for the death. Often times, checking bodily fluids for things like alcohol or drugs may be as far as they decide to investigate.