state of alabama death certificates

sonomasunrise · 03-08-2007

I have a friend who lost her daughter 18 months ago and still cannot get a completed death certificate. She cannot collect on insurance for her grand children without a completed death certificate. Can anyone tell me why this is taking so long or is this normal?

blissgirl · 03-08-2007

go to the health department in the county in which she died- it should be available even if autopsy/toxicology were done since it has been 18 months

sonomasunrise · 03-08-2007

She has a death certificate, but it is not complete. Cause of death is pending. My friends daughter died in her sleep. She was only 41. No autopsy was done only tissue and blood samples.

Lucky Lady · 03-08-2007

It is my understanding that a death certificate cannot be issued without a cause of death. Maybe a call to state forensics would help or they could direct you.

blissgirl · 03-08-2007

It could be pending - she had to be pronounced dead by someone - labs should be back - start making calls - did forensics investigate/call where the labs went to- i think it would have to go through forensics -if in alabama their is an office in auburn - i think that is the main one - the death cert. has to be signed by someone - call that person

Daddy'sBabyGirl · 03-09-2007

If she died in her sleep then it is up to the coroner or medical examiner to determine the cause of death. If blood and tissue samples were sent for toxicology, there is NO reason they should not be back. The results of them should be sent to the coroner, medical examiner, or DA of that county. I would be talking with one of them!!

kaye334 · 03-09-2007

Also, have your friend ask funeral director's who were in charge of her daughter's burial. They should be able to get to the root of he situation. If there were insurance policies, the funeral home may not be paid until such policies are settled, and a settlement will not be made without a completed certificate.