By Milos Djordjevic, Funeral Director and Owner, Caring Cremations

When a death is sudden or unexpected, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office may become involved. For most families, this is the first time they have dealt with the office, and it can feel frightening. It is a standard step that helps make sure the cause of death is understood. Here is what usually happens, and what you do and don’t need to do.

When the Medical Examiner becomes involved

The office investigates deaths that are suspected to be homicides, suicides or accidents, and sudden, unexpected natural deaths. It generally does not investigate an apparent natural death when the person was under a doctor’s care. That is why a death in hospice, or in a hospital after a long illness, usually does not go through the office.

If someone dies unexpectedly at home, call 911 first. The police and paramedics will contact the Medical Examiner’s Office if needed. Our guide to what to do when someone dies at home walks through the first hour.

What happens at the Medical Examiner’s Office

When the office takes a loved one into its care, they are brought to its facility at 2121 W. Harrison St. in Chicago. The office says its examination normally happens within two days.

The Medical Examiner decides whether an autopsy is needed. If your family has religious or personal objections, tell the office. It says it tries to honor families’ wishes and usually can, though not always. An autopsy is required when there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of foul play.

Identifying your loved one

Only a limited number of cases need someone to come to the facility to identify their loved one. If the office asks you to, identification hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends and county holidays. The intake line is (312) 997-4418.

Choosing a funeral home

You can choose any licensed funeral director in Illinois. The Medical Examiner’s Office does not recommend funeral homes or keep a list of them. It releases your loved one to the funeral home after it receives a signed authorization from the legal next of kin.

You don’t need to rush. The office will hold your loved one for 30 days while your family makes plans. Once you choose a funeral home, the funeral home handles the release paperwork and the transfer. Illinois law sets who counts as the legal next of kin; our guide to who can authorize a cremation explains the order.

Personal belongings

The office lists your loved one’s personal belongings and releases them to the funeral home along with your loved one. In some cases, clothing or other items may be kept as evidence. Belongings that are never claimed are held for one year.

Cremation when the Medical Examiner is involved

Every cremation in Cook County needs a cremation permit from the Medical Examiner’s Office. The funeral home requests it; families don’t apply for it themselves. Illinois law also requires that a cremation take place no sooner than 24 hours after the time of death.

If the cause of death is still being determined, the office can issue a pending death certificate, and the cremation can go ahead. A final certificate is issued once the cause is known. Some lab tests take months, and the office says autopsy and toxicology reports are usually ready four to six months after the cause of death is determined.

Death certificates while the cause is pending

A pending death certificate can serve as proof of death for many tasks, such as notifying a bank. Some life insurance companies wait for the final cause of death before paying a claim. Our guide to death certificates in Cook County explains how many copies families usually need.

How we help

When the Medical Examiner’s Office is involved, we stay in touch with the office for you, file the cremation permit, and bring your loved one into our care as soon as release is given. You can call us any hour at (773) 866-2273, or arrange online in about 15 minutes when you’re ready. All of our prices are on our pricing page.