A private autopsy — also called an independent autopsy — is a medical examination performed by a licensed pathologist chosen by the family, separate from any examination conducted by the county coroner or medical examiner. The pathologist reviews the cause of death independently and provides the family with a full written report.

• They want a second medical opinion on the official cause of death
• They are pursuing a life insurance claim and need documentation of the exact cause of death
• They are involved in a wrongful death situation and need independent medical evidence
• Their loved one died suddenly or unexpectedly and the family simply needs to understand what happened
• They question or dispute the findings of the coroner or medical examiner

• Licensed pathologists come directly to Abrazo's facility in Apache Junction to perform the autopsy
• Abrazo also has established relationships with trusted pathologists and can refer families based on their specific situation
• We coordinate all logistics — transportation of the deceased, scheduling, and paperwork
• After the autopsy, the body is returned to the family in the same condition for any funeral services they choose — burial, cremation, or other arrangements
• We accept both private pay and work with families whose situations involve insurance claims
• All services are fully confidential

In Arizona, the family of the deceased has the right to request an independent private autopsy. This right exists even if the county coroner or medical examiner has already conducted an examination. You do not need anyone's permission to pursue independent answers about your loved one's death. Abrazo Funeral Home will help you exercise that right.

Many life insurance policies — especially those with accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) provisions — require clear documentation of the cause of death before a claim can be paid. When the official cause of death is disputed, unclear, or ruled as something that affects the policy payout, an independent private autopsy can provide the documentation the family needs.

If you are dealing with an insurance claim or a wrongful death situation, call us immediately. We will explain your options clearly and without pressure. Time often matters in these situations — early contact with our team helps ensure nothing is missed.

Cuando un familiar fallece de forma repentina, inesperada, o en circunstancias que no están completamente explicadas — su familia merece respuestas.

Abrazo Funeral Home es una instalación preferida para autopsias en Arizona. Patólogos licenciados vienen a nuestra instalación para realizar autopsias privadas e independientes para familias que necesitan saber exactamente qué le pasó a su ser querido. También tenemos relaciones establecidas con patólogos de confianza y podemos coordinar referencias para familias que las necesiten.

• Quieren una segunda opinión médica sobre la causa oficial de la muerte
• Están tramitando un seguro de vida y necesitan documentación exacta de la causa de muerte
• Están en una situación de muerte por negligencia y necesitan evidencia médica independiente
• Su familiar murió de forma repentina y la familia simplemente necesita entender qué sucedió
  
  

Aceptamos pago privado y también trabajamos con familias cuyas situaciones involucran reclamaciones de seguros. Llámenos al 1-602-263-5333. Atendemos en español las 24 horas.

Abrazo Funeral Home has been family-owned and operated since October 2021. Our founder David Allen has been a licensed funeral director since 2011, has owned and operated six funeral homes, and has personally guided thousands and thousands of families. Our combined team brings over 45 years of funeral industry experience. Every service is backed by our $500 satisfaction guarantee. Licensed by the State of Arizona.

Call us any time at 1 (480) 983-7756. We are here to help your family get the answers you deserve.

Yes. Your family has the right to request an independent private autopsy in Arizona even after the coroner or medical examiner has conducted their examination. This is particularly common in disputed cause-of-death situations and wrongful death cases. Contact us to discuss the process and timing.

The cost of a private autopsy varies depending on the scope of the examination and the pathologist. Abrazo Funeral Home works with both private pay families and insurance-related situations. Call us at 1 (480) 983-7756 for a direct, honest conversation about costs and options.

No. After the autopsy is completed, the body is returned to Abrazo's care in a condition suitable for all funeral service options — burial, cremation, or any other arrangements the family chooses. The autopsy does not prevent any type of final service.

Some life insurance and AD&D policies cover or reimburse the cost of a private autopsy, particularly when the cause of death is disputed or affects the policy payout. We recommend contacting your insurance provider first, then calling us — we can help you understand what documentation you may need.

Call Abrazo Funeral Home at 1 (480) 983-7756 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tell us your situation and we will walk you through every option clearly and without pressure. If the deceased is not already in our care, we can coordinate transportation as well.