A rare case of the coexistence of injuries typical of a fall from height.

Abstract

Falls from heights constitute the second most common cause of suicides in Poland, often resulting in multiple organ injuries. This paper describes a rare case of a 32-year-old man who died after jumping from a four-story building. The autopsy and post-mortem computed tomography analysis revealed a unique coexistence of injuries characteristic of a fall onto extended lower limbs, such as a circular fracture of the base of the skull as well as multiple fractures of the spine, pelvis, and lower limbs. The geodetic analysis enabled the determination of the fall height and flight range, which facilitated further conclusions regarding the active phase of movement and the verification of the circumstances of the event. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in evaluating the mechanisms of injuries caused by falls from heights. The use of post-mortem computed tomography, supplemented by geodetic data and traditional biomechanical methods, allows for a detailed assessment of the nature of injuries and the circumstances of the event. This type of multidimensional analysis enables more precise differentiation of injury mechanisms and reasoning about the cause of the fall, which is crucial in forensic practice.