NCJ Number
209750
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 608-612
Date Published
May 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined the correlation between the height of a fall and the frequency, extensiveness, and type of injuries sustained by particular body regions and organs.
Abstract
The various factors influencing the frequency, type, and extensiveness of injuries from falls include body weight, velocity, nature of the surface impacted, and body orientation. The height of a fall is the major determining factor of injury due to its relationship to the velocity of impact. The current study sought to determine the characteristic injuries of particular body regions in relation to the height of a fall. The retrospective study involved analysis of 660 individual cases of fatal falls from height on solid surfaces, including falls from standing height. Injuries were classified by type, body region, and absolute level of decent in meters. Severity of injuries was calculated according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Results showed that head injuries were characteristic of falls from heights up to 7 meters and beyond 30 meters and liver injuries were the most common abdominal injury occurring at heights of 15 meters. The extensiveness of chest injuries was significantly related to fall height. Generally, falls of over 15 meters were associated with injuries to two or three body regions. Figures, references