Accidental Cut-Throat Injury by a Broken Glass: Bloodstain Pattern Analyses and Autopsy Findings

Injuries in the neck region are rarely observed in forensic practice, especially of accidental origin. Primarily, such cases are associated with homicide or suicide. The neck region comprises different and vital anatomical structures, and even minor trauma could be lethal. In the absence of witnesses to the accident, each finding is of utmost importance, from the death/crime scene investigation - bloodstain patterns and trace evidence - to careful examination of the deceased body. The forensic pathologist has the challenging task of analyzing all the findings to make a statement concerning the cause and manner of death and, if there is something suspicious about the current case, to inform the relevant authorities.