Forensic biomechanical analysis of falls from height using numerical human body models

This article describes the method of using human body models developed originally for the use in automotive safety in forensic reconstructions of falls from height. The MADYMO(®) software package and multibody human body models were used in forensic analyses of two real cases--a fatal fall from a window c. 13.8 m above the ground and a fall into a c. 2.5-m deep cellar pit resulting in isolated ankle joint injury. The performed series of numerical simulations helped to reconstruct the events and to resolve legally relevant questions concerning various aspects of the falls. The benefits as well as limitations and potential biases associated with the use of numerical simulation in forensic biomechanical settings are discussed. The method has proven to be effective under specific circumstances, though the cost (both financial and temporal) still prevents it from wider use.