King County Medical Examiner Release Timeline: How Soon Can You Start Cleaning?
- HazardPros
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Table of Contents
When a loved one passes away—or a tenant dies unexpectedly in your property—the first question people ask is: “When can we start cleaning up?”
In King County, biohazard remediation cannot begin until the Medical Examiner (ME) officially releases the scene. This timeline isn’t arbitrary—it’s legally and procedurally required, especially in unattended or suspicious deaths. Understanding the release process helps set realistic expectations and avoid frustration for landlords, property managers, and families alike.
Key Takeaways
The Medical Examiner must release the scene before any cleaning can begin.
Most releases occur within 24–72 hours, but delays happen if cause of death is unclear.
Only authorized professionals may enter the property before release—typically law enforcement or the ME’s team.
Unattended deaths, homicides, or unclear circumstances often mean longer delays.
Property owners should wait for official notice before scheduling cleanup or restoration work.
Detailed Guide
What is a medical examiner scene release, and why does it matter?
In King County, any unattended, violent, or suspicious death falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s Office. Their job is to investigate the cause and manner of death. Until they’ve completed necessary examinations and cleared the area, the location is legally sealed. No cleaning or entry is permitted—even by the property owner.
Cleaning before a release is not just illegal—it can compromise evidence in criminal or accidental death cases and open you up to legal risk.
How long does it take for the King County Medical Examiner to release a scene?
In typical cases, such as natural deaths with no signs of foul play, scene release happens within 24 to 48 hours. However, several factors can extend this timeline:
Suspicious deaths (e.g. potential homicides)
Delayed body discovery (advanced decomposition)
Unidentified individuals
Pending toxicology or lab reports
In these cases, release may take 3–7 days, or even longer.
What is the difference between body removal and scene release?
This is a key source of confusion. Body removal (done by the ME or their contracted transport team) can occur quickly. But that doesn’t mean the entire scene is cleared for re-entry. The scene itself may remain under investigation, especially if forensic analysis is ongoing.
In King County, scene release is a separate step that involves documentation and legal clearance.
Who gets notified when the scene is released?
The Medical Examiner’s Office notifies law enforcement, who may in turn notify the property owner, landlord, or next of kin. In many cases, your trauma cleanup provider (like Seattle Cleanup Pros) will also be in contact with the ME and local police to monitor when cleanup can start.
We frequently get calls from frustrated families or landlords eager to begin cleanup—but we legally cannot enter until formal release is confirmed.
Can a landlord or property manager request expedited release?
Sometimes, but only in limited scenarios. If a tenant dies and all signs point to natural causes, the landlord or next of kin may call the ME’s office to request faster clearance. However, requests don’t guarantee speed, especially if the death falls under investigative criteria.
It's best to prepare for at least a 48-hour wait before any decontamination or item removal can begin.
What happens after the scene is released?
Once the property is legally cleared:
The cleanup team can enter and begin work.
In cases of decomposition, cleanup may take several hours to multiple days depending on contamination level.
Insurance adjusters may be brought in to assess damage (if the loss is covered).
Family or landlords may retrieve personal belongings—only after biohazard risks are mitigated.
At Seattle Cleanup Pros, we work closely with King County officials to ensure immediate action once release occurs.
Example / Template
Scenario | ME Release Timeline | Cleanup Can Begin |
Natural death, attended | No ME involved | Same day |
Unattended death, no foul play | 24–48 hours | After official release |
Suspicious death (e.g. suicide, homicide) | 2–5 days or longer | After full investigation |
Body discovered after decomposition | 3–7 days | After ME & police clear scene |
Deceased is unidentified | Timeline varies | May exceed 1 week |
FAQs
Can I enter the property before the ME clears it?
No. Entering before release is not only illegal but could interfere with a criminal investigation.
What if I need to secure valuables or pets?
Contact law enforcement or the ME’s office. In some cases, they may authorize supervised entry for critical tasks.
Does a funeral home release count?
No. Funeral homes handle the body, not the scene. You still must wait for the Medical Examiner’s formal clearance to begin cleanup.
Who informs me when the property is cleared?
Usually law enforcement, the ME, or a cleanup provider in communication with them will inform you. Always wait for official confirmation before taking any action.
Can you stand by for cleanup immediately?
Yes. We offer on-call standby response, so once the release happens—even if it's late at night—we can start cleaning right away.
Checklist
✅ Call law enforcement or 911 to report the death
✅ Wait for Medical Examiner arrival
✅ Do not enter the scene until cleared
✅ Contact a licensed trauma cleanup provider
✅ Ask to be notified when ME releases the scene
✅ Schedule cleanup immediately once cleared
✅ Confirm with insurer if coverage applies
✅ Document all communications and notices
Final Summary
In King County, no cleanup can begin until the Medical Examiner releases the scene. Depending on the type of death, that release may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Landlords, property managers, and families should expect this delay, avoid unauthorized entry, and coordinate with professionals who understand local legal requirements.
At Seattle Cleanup Pros, we stay in contact with the ME’s office, respond the moment we’re cleared, and make sure the cleanup process begins as quickly—and compassionately—as possible.
📞 Call us now to be placed on standby
📧 Or schedule a quote online—we’re available 24/7 throughout Seattle and King County.
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