While an independent contractor is different from a standard employee, the exact definition of your role is not set in stone. To prevent any unwanted surprises, it is essential to define the exact business relationship between you and your employer prior to beginning work.
Here are the indications that death has occurred: 1  No breathing for a prolonged period of time. 2  No heartbeat. 3  Eyes are fixed and slightly open, with enlarged pupils.  Jaw relaxed, with the mouth slightly open.
Usually when it is diagnosed it is already terminal. In answer to the second part of your question; when a person is near death from a terminal illness, their organs do shut down one by one. There is a marked decease in their level of consciousness, and it is not uncommon for the person to be dehydrated, and comatose.