Medical Examiner

Medical Examiner’s Function

Oregon State Law mandates that each county has a medical examiner to certify the cause and manner of deaths requiring investigation. The District Attorney shares in these duties and responsibilities.

The outcome of any death investigation may ultimately impact personal liberty and well-being, public health and safety, research capabilities, and governmental approaches to legislation and programs.

How the System Works

Benton County death investigators with extensive medical backgrounds examine deceased individuals. Then the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office provides autopsy and toxicology services, and signs death certificates for Benton County.

Mission

The primary mission of the medical examiner is to gather information to accurately certify manner and cause of death.

Manner of Death	Cause of Death
Based on cause and circumstance: • Natural • Accidental • Suicide • Homicide • Undetermined	Based on mechanism; the specific disease or injury which led to death