Obtaining Ohio Autopsy Reports

By Pamela Gardapee
Funerals and legal documents

thai funeral image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com

Ohio counties have coroner's offices that conduct autopsies and keep the records on file, usually in a database at the clerk of records office. The autopsy reports are public record that anyone can obtain, but if the report is part of a homicide or ongoing investigation, some records may not be available until the case is concluded. You will need some personal information about the person whose autopsy you are requesting.

Wait at least 8 weeks before requesting an autopsy in Ohio. Some autopsy reports will take longer, but a routine autopsy that only requires microscopic examination and a toxicology report will take about 8 weeks, but could be as long as 12 weeks.

Write a letter to the county coroner's office in the county where the autopsy was performed, requesting a copy of the autopsy. Print the full name and death date of the deceased in the letter.

If you prefer, you can go to the coroner's office in person to obtain the autopsy report.

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your letter, so the clerk's office can send the documents to you. Add the fee, which is $0.25 per page, unless you are next-of-kin, in which case the autopsy report is free. Fees must be paid with a money order or check. You may need to call the clerk's office to find out the number of pages of the report, so you can send the correct amount. Cash is accepted if you obtain the report in person.

Mail the check or money order and your letter to the county coroner's office in the specific county where the person died. Wait 7 to 14 business days for the report to arrive.

Discuss the prepared autopsy report with the county coroner if you have any questions, or need a translation or clarification of any terms or findings. Telephone or in-person conversations with next-of-kin are always welcomed.

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