Change of cause of death of death certificate (insurance, live)

[kggs27]

Any advice on how to proceed would be most appreciated.

How can I go about changing the cause of death on a relatives death certificate?

I am trying to change the cause of death because what is actually listed on there certificate is nowhere remotely close to how he passed away. I have conducted numerous searches to guide me through the process but all information I have found has been very vague. The only items that keep coming up in searches is, 1. A form to request copy of death certificate or 2. A form in which to correct general information (such as name misspelling, deceased address having been wrong, etc.).

I also live four & half hours away from where he (my deceased Uncle) lived and would like to have all the correct information (forms, affidavits, appointments, anything & everything needed) before making the trip(s).

If anyone has any insight into how this can be accomplished i would greatly appreciate it as this has been a disturbing issue to my family, as well as myself, for quite some time.

Thank you!

[North Beach Person]

Who made the determination of the cause of death, the Coroner or an attending physician?

Why do you need to change it?

I'm guessing but since cause of death is somewhat of a legal determination, especially with the Coroner, you'd likely have to go to Court and have a hearing showing proof of different cause determined by an outside expert.

[kggs27]

Thank you for your response.
It was the Corner that made the determination. It was a really bad situation; he committed suicide and, although there were many of the warning signs (giving his prized possessions away, telling relatives he wanted to be cremated when he died, etc.), as well as him telling people (myself included) that he was going to do it. Unfortunately, the suicide was not "officially" confirmed until about 2 days AFTER the certificate had been produced. At the time, being distraught digesting the death itself then the realization of it being a suicide, none of us put too much thought into it what the death certificate said.
Currently the certificate reads "Accidental drug overdose" which, to a degree is true but the legitimate cause of death was intentional, not accidental. He was responsible, owned his own business, never a drug user, non-smoker, social drinker, no mental illness, etc.
I guess the only reason we wish to have this changed is to honor his wishes and keep his reputation intact (even though it really doesn't matter any more).

Thanks for your help,
K

[North Beach Person]

You want to change it from accidental drug overdose, which could be something like Heath Ledger did with prescription drugs, to suicide?

I would think that a suicide finding would harm his reputation more. Again, as you say, it really doesn't matter at this point.

If he lived in a small town everyone knows it was a suicide. Again in a small town, the coroner likely thought/felt he was protecting your uncle's reputation by a finding of accidental.

[RyanR]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

You want to change it from accidental drug overdose, which could be something like Heath Ledger did with prescription drugs, to suicide?

I would think that a suicide finding would harm his reputation more. Again, as you say, it really doesn't matter at this point.

If he lived in a small town everyone knows it was a suicide. Again in a small town, the coroner likely thought/felt he was protecting your uncle's reputation by a finding of accidental.

^^^
This.

Also, depending on any life insurance he may have had, many have specific clauses about limited or no pay-out on suicides.