Injuries sustained in falling fatalities in relation to different distances of falls

Falling from a distance is an important issue worldwide, which happens in different ages, genders and circumstances. It is usually not considered a medicolegal case in many countries hence no autopsy is performed. This study focused on analyzing injuries sustained in victims of falling in relation to different distances of fall.

Retrospective study of 352 autopsy reports of falling victims brought to the forensic pathology department at Jordan University Hospital during the period from January 1990 to March 2016.

Among 352 cases, 256 (72.7%) were males and 96 (27.3%) were females. 303 (86.1%) cases showed accidental fall, 31 (8.8%) were suicidal, 2 (0.6%) were homicidal and un-clarified death in 16 (4.5%). Time of death was directly proportionate with the distance of fall. Victims fell from distances less than 3 m were 123 (35%), most of them were children less than 7 years 50 (40.5%) and unemployed adults more than 45 years were 48 (39.1%). They showed multiple abrasions (62.6%), few contusions (64.2%) and absent laceration of the skin (84.5%). Victims fell from distances of 3-9 m were 123 (35%), most of them were male workers 56 (60.2%). They showed multiple abrasions (63.5%), few contusions (71%) and few lacerations of skin (50.5%). Victims fell from distances more than 9 m were 136 (38.6%), most of them were male workers 71 (52.2%) and female servants 23 (17%). They showed few abrasions (80.9%), multiple contusions (64.7%) and few lacerations of skin (48.5%). The number of fractured limbs increases obviously with distances more than 3 m. Skull vault fractures were found in all distances, while skull base fractures showed in distances of 3-9 m and more than 9 m. Head injury was the most common fatal injury in all distances. Chest injuries were prominent mainly in distances more than 3 m. While abdominal injuries were mainly prominent in distances more than 9 m.

This study showed the effect of different distances of fall in causing different types of injuries in falling fatalities. Internal injuries were in a direct proportion with distances of fall, while external injuries showed a great importance in interpretation of the way of fall.