A post-mortem is a medical examination of the deceased, to determine the cause of death. It can also be referred to as an autopsy.
It is possible that new and unexpected medical details are obtained about the cause of death, via a post-mortem. Such information could prove invaluable in terms of any compensation claim.
It is important that a defendant is informed of the death and provided with the coroner’s details once a claim has started. This is because the civil court may not allow a compensation claim to be pursued, if the defendant has not been provided with the chance to obtain the necessary medical details.