Reports Requests


  How To Request a Copy of Medical Examiner Reports


  • A Postmortem Examination Report describes the findings of the forensic pathologist and includes the cause and manner of death.
  • Death Investigation Report(s) includes the findings of the medicolegal death investigator.

* Please note that Postmortem Examination Reports may not be complete and ready for release until months after the date of examination. Once completed, requested reports and other case file materials are usually sent within three to five business days.


Family


The Postmortem Examination Report is confidential in the state of Washington per RCW 68.50.105. If you are a family member as defined in RCW 68.50.105 or the personal representative of the decedent (as defined in RCW 11.02.005) and you want a copy of the Postmortem Examination Report, complete the Request For Copies Of Medical Examiner Case File Materials (PDF) form. The fee for one copy of requested reports is waived for family members.

 

Mail the completed request form and a copy of your photo ID (include court document if you are a court-appointed personal representative) to:
            Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office
            Attn: Records
            3919 Pacific Ave.
            Tacoma, WA 98418
 
Third Party

 

If you are a third party, such as an insurance company or attorney, you must obtain an authorization from the legal next-of-kin or personal representative. A release for patient medical records (RCW 70.02) may not be substituted to request postmortem records. Complete the Request For Copies Of Medical Examiner Case File Materials (PDF) and the Third Party Authorization For Medical Examiner Report Release (PDF).


For Third-Party Requests, do not send payments with your request. An invoice will be generated once the request has been processed.
 
Mail a cover letter on your agency letterhead and include the Request for Copies form, the Third Party Authorization form along with a copy of the legal next-of-kin or personal representative’s photo ID (include court document if personal representative) to:
            Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office
            Attn: Records
            3919 Pacific Ave.
            Tacoma, WA 98418
  

If you are not family or a third party please view our Media Release page for information available to the public.