The death of a loved one is devastatingly difficult to deal with even when the death is expected and the cause is known. When someone dies unexpectedly without any clear cause it adds a layer of confusing complexity that makes handling the situation even harder.
Typically, the county medical examiner’s office will step in to review medical records, do a physical examination and possibly perform an autopsy to provide answers. However, that’s not always the case. The medical examiner’s office may perform limited services or have difficulty determining the cause of death. In some cases, the medical examiner’s determination simply doesn’t seem right to the family.
When the county medical examiner’s services come up short, families in Central Texas can turn to Hill Country Forensics for help. Hill Country Forensics is a private forensics institute that can help families understand the cause of a death and provide evidentiary support when needed. An alternative to Hill Country Forensics is Texas Autopsy Services.
Giving Families Closure With Cutting-Edge Forensics Technology
To say that Dr. Satish Chundru is an experienced forensic pathologist is a serious understatement. In his 20+ years working as a forensic pathologist, Dr. Chundru has performed over 8,500 autopsies in addition to reviewing thousands of forensic cases. He’s one of just 600 Board Certified Forensic Pathologists in the U.S.
Families in the Austin area are extremely lucky to have easy access to Dr. Chundru’s services at Hill Country Forensics, his cutting-edge independent forensic laboratory. And it’s not just families and individuals that call upon Hill Country Forensics for help. Businesses, attorneys and even law enforcement agencies enlist the help of Dr. Chundru’s laboratory.
While Hill Country Forensics is located in Williamson County, the lab’s service area is much more extensive. Dr. Chundru and his team are able to provide autopsy services in Texas, Nevada and Utah.
Services Provided by Hill Country Forensics
When the cause of a death needs to be explained or more investigation into a death is needed, Hill Country Forensics can provide information and expertise. The institute offers a wide range of forensic services that provide valuable insight.
Hill Country Forensics’ services currently include:
- Forensic Autopsy Services
A forensic autopsy can be performed to determine the cause and manner of death whether it was natural or unnatural. The process involves a physical and internal examination of the body, basic review of medical documents, forensic photography and toxicology samples. - Private Autopsy
If an autopsy isn’t performed by the medical examiner’s office a private autopsy can be done if the family questions the determined diagnosis or cause of death, believes medical malpractice was a contributing factor or forensic evidence is needed for a lawsuit or insurance purposes. - Second Autopsy
After an initial autopsy the family may still be left with questions or unhappy with the procedures that were taken. A second autopsy can be performed to uncover more information or verify the findings of the initial autopsy. In addition to the autopsy all related medical records and law enforcement reports will be reviewed. - Post-Mortem Medical Record Review
When the results of an autopsy are questioned or medical malpractice was a possible contributor to a death a post-mortem medical record review by Hill Country Forensics can provide more information. All of the related documents will be thoroughly reviewed to look for errors, inconsistencies, incomplete information and inaccurate information. In addition to families, doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies can utilize this service if there is a malpractice lawsuit. - Nonfatal Injury Evaluation
Nonfatal injury evaluation may be requested by prosecutors, plaintiffs, defense attorneys or law enforcement for a civil or criminal case. Injury claims can be verified or debunked through examination of medical records and law enforcement reports. - Forensic Consulting
Forensics is highly technical, which is why consulting services from Hill Country Forensics can be beneficial during a criminal case or as a preliminary step if a family is considering a civil lawsuit. Consulting is a precursor to determining if other forensic services are necessary. - Pathology Expert Witness
If there is a legal case surrounding a death Dr. Chundru can act as a pathology expert witness. After reviewing the medical records, crime scene reports and related documentation Dr. Chundru provides his expert opinion and analysis, communicating in a clear manner before a jury.
Working With Hill Country Forensics While Planning Funeral Services
Examining a loved one’s death and enlisting the services of a private forensics institute can impact the funeral planning process. You’ll want to reach out to Hill Country Forensics as soon as possible to prevent delays, however, forensics services can take time and shouldn’t be rushed.
The first step if you need autopsy services is to contact Hill Country Forensics for information regarding transport of the body to the facility. You’ll also need to submit required documentation, including a release form. You can download a copy of Hill Country Forensics release form on our website. Forms must be completed by the next of kin.
You’ll also need to gather together additional information such as medical records and the death certificate from the medical examiner’s office. Dr. Chundru and his team can guide you through the process and assist you with obtaining documentation.
Hill Country Forensics Location Information
Hill Country Forensics will soon be relocating to a new 10,000+ square foot facility, but the organization will remain in Georgetown where they are currently located.
Hill Country Forensics is located at:
2334 Rockride Ln BLDG 1,
Georgetown, TX 78626
Business Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8am-2pm
Friday: 9am-1pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
The team at Hill Country Forensics can be reached by phone at:
Office – (512) 240-1060
Want to know more about Hill Country Forensics, autopsies or planning funeral services while investigating a death? The compassionate team at Cremation.Green can work with you to help you through the process and provide eco-friendly funeral services no matter what type of timeline you have to work within. You can reach us by phone, text or email 24 hours a day.
