RESUMEN
The results of 131 forensic exhumations performed by the Institute für Legal Medicine in Hamburg from 1971 up to 1995 are presented and analysed. 50 exhumations have been ordered by legal authorities concerning criminalistic aspects. 81 cases have been commissioned by insurance companies. 7 categories of cases have been established which are separately analysed (e.g. suspicion of intoxication, accidental cases, occupational diseases). A synopsis presents the evidence of several pathological findings in regard to the body's lay-days in the grave compared with similar studies. The study gives evidence of the value of specific findings even if the body had been buried one or two years before exhumation. In 65 of 92 cases the suspected cause of death could be confirmed. In 121 cases the cause of death was definitely cleared up by autopsy. 125 exhumations (approximately 95%) have been successful concerning the underlaying question that gave reason for further examinations. Exhumations turned out to be very useful in order to clarify insurance-related medical questions.