The Frugal Undertaker

Medical Examiner

In general terms a Medical Examiner is responsible for the investigation and certification of cause and manner of death of all sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unnatural deaths that occur within their county. The cause of death is a disease, injury, drug toxicity, or combination of factors that causes a physiologic derangement severe enough to result in death. The manner of death refers to the circumstances surrounding how the death came about and is divided into five catagories: natural, accident, suicide, homicide and undetermined.

Investigations may include an autopsy, if necessary, to support an official ruling on the cause and manner of death.

A Medical Examiner's office may also provide forensic autopsy services to other counties at the request of a Justice of the Peace in the jurisdiction where the death is being investigated.

Statutes that apply to Medical Examiners (Subchapter B)

Statutes that apply to Justices of the Peace      (Subchapter A)

There are several Medical Examiners offices throughtout Texas. These are some of the offices in our area. Medical Examiners generally charge a fee (usually around $25.00) to issue a permit known as an "Authority to Cremate" permit.

Bexar County Medical Examiner

Travis County Medical Examiner