When someone dies unexpectedly and remains undiscovered for a period of time, the emotional impact on family members can be overwhelming. In addition to grieving, families may suddenly have questions about the property, personal belongings, odors, bodily fluids, and the cleanup itself.
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Who is responsible for cleaning up after an unattended death?”
The answer depends on the circumstances, but in most cases, the family or property owner should not be expected to handle a biohazard cleanup themselves. A professional biohazard remediation company can safely assess the scene, remove affected materials, disinfect the area, and help restore the property.
What Is an Unattended Death?
An unattended death occurs when a person dies and the death is not discovered immediately. The individual may be found hours, days, or sometimes longer after death.
As time passes, decomposition can result in biological contamination, strong odors, insect activity, and damage to flooring, walls, furniture, or other materials.
This is very different from ordinary household cleaning.
Decomposition can create biohazardous conditions that require specialized cleaning, disinfecting, and proper handling of potentially contaminated materials.
Is the Family Responsible for the Cleanup?
There is no single answer for every situation.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility for arranging and paying for cleanup may involve the property owner, estate, family, landlord, or another responsible party. Insurance coverage may also play a role, depending on the policy and circumstances.
Law enforcement, the medical examiner/coroner, or other authorities generally handle their responsibilities surrounding the death and investigation. They typically do not perform the complete remediation of a contaminated home or property.
Once the scene has been released, the property may still require professional biohazard remediation.
What About a Rental Property?
If an unattended death occurs in a rental property, the situation can become more complicated.
The property owner or property manager may need to determine who is responsible for arranging the cleanup and whether insurance or the deceased person’s estate is involved.
Because leases, insurance policies, and circumstances differ, property owners should review their applicable agreements and speak with their insurance provider or legal professional when necessary.
Why Shouldn’t You Clean It Yourself?
Cleaning an unattended death scene isn’t simply a matter of removing visible material and using household disinfectant.
Professionals must consider:
- Blood and bodily-fluid contamination
- Decomposition fluids
- Porous materials that may need removal
- Contaminated flooring or furnishings
- Odor-producing materials
- Potential exposure to infectious materials
- Proper disposal of regulated biohazardous waste
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas
Attempting to clean a scene without appropriate training and protective equipment can expose family members or property owners to unnecessary hazards.
What Does a Professional Biohazard Cleanup Company Do?
A professional remediation company evaluates the affected area and develops a cleanup plan based on the extent of contamination.
Services may include:
1. Assessment of the property
The technicians identify areas and materials that may have been affected.
2. Removal of contaminated materials
Materials that cannot be safely cleaned may need to be removed and properly handled.
3. Cleaning and disinfection
Affected surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and treated using appropriate professional procedures.
4. Odor remediation
Decomposition odors can penetrate porous materials and may require specialized odor-control techniques.
5. Proper disposal
Biohazardous materials are handled and disposed of according to applicable requirements.
6. Final restoration recommendations
If flooring, drywall, cabinetry, or other materials require additional restoration, the homeowner or property manager can be advised about the next steps.
What Should You Do When an Unattended Death Is Discovered?
If you discover someone who may have died, do not disturb the scene unnecessarily.
Call 911 and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. The appropriate authorities need to determine the circumstances of the death before cleanup begins.
Once the property has been released by the appropriate authorities, contact a professional biohazard remediation company to evaluate the property.
Do not begin cleaning before the scene has been officially released.