Second Opinion & Autopsy Review
Something Doesn’t Feel Right
If you have questions about how your loved one died, you have the right to a second opinion. FPS provides independent forensic review performed by board-certified experts with no ties to the original findings.
A second opinion does not mean starting over. It means having someone independent look at what was already found, and tell you honestly what the evidence supports. If no autopsy was performed, we can arrange one independently. Either way, you deserve a clear answer from someone with no stake in the outcome.
You do not need a legal case or a formal complaint to request a second opinion. Many families, attorneys, and organizations reach out simply because something was unclear, rushed, or incomplete. Common reasons include:
- The cause of death was listed as undetermined or unclear.
- The official findings don’t match what you witnessed or were told.
- You believe the death may have involved negligence, error, or foul play.
- The institution involved in your loved one’s death performed the original autopsy.
- You are an attorney or investigator who needs an independent forensic assessment.
- An insurance claim has been disputed based on the cause of death.
- You simply want confirmation from an independent expert before moving forward.
If any of these apply to your situation, a second opinion may give you the clarity you need.
If the coroner declined an autopsy, never ordered one, or never gave your family the option, FPS can arrange an independent private autopsy. Our board-certified forensic pathologist performs a full examination with no ties to any county office, hospital, or institution involved. This is often the starting point for families who never got answers in the first place.
Our experts review the original autopsy report, death certificate, toxicology results, medical records, and any other available documentation. This is often the fastest and most accessible starting point for families and attorneys.
Not sure which applies to your situation? Call us. We will listen to your circumstances and tell you exactly what your options are.
When the same hospital, county office, or institution involved in a death also performs the autopsy, there is an inherent conflict of interest. That does not mean the findings are wrong. But it does mean you have every right to have them verified by someone with no stake in the outcome.
Every forensic pathologist FPS assigns to a case is selected specifically for independence. They have no prior affiliation with the hospital, office, county, or institution involved. Independence is the foundation of everything we do.
Independence is not optional in our work. It’s essential.
Reach Out to Our Team
Call us or submit a request. An FPS team member will reach out within 24 hours to understand your situation and explain your options clearly.
Share What You Have
We guide you through what documents or records are needed. You will receive a secure link to upload the original autopsy report, death certificate, medical records, or any other relevant files.
Independent Expert Review
Your case is assigned to a board-certified forensic pathologist with full independence from any involved institution. They review the evidence and provide their own objective findings.
You Receive Clear, Written Findings
We provide a written report of the independent findings, a summary of what the evidence supports, and the option to speak directly with the reviewing pathologist if needed.
Record and report reviews start at $500 per hour. If no autopsy has been performed and an independent examination is needed, private autopsies start at $5,000.
To make this accessible, FPS Offers
- Payment plans through QuickBooks Financing
- Life insurance accepted toward the cost of services
Timing varies by case. Most record reviews begin within a few business days of receiving documentation. We will give you a realistic timeline during your initial consultation.
You don’t need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Tell us what happened and we will help you figure out the right next step.
FPS offers a range of independent forensic services. Here are a few others that may better fit your situation.