Crime scene investigation and dynamic reconstruction: importance of synergic collaboration between forensic pathology and digital reconstruction for work-related fatalities.

Abstract

A crime scene is the result of the dynamic interrelation of various factors. Where a fatality is involved, thorough analysis of the scene by a forensic pathologist produces the first data for verifying consistency between the necropsy results and witness testimonies toward defining the dynamics of injury and death. This step is extremely important in identifying any liability. We present the case of a construction worker who fell through a trapdoor between two floors while holding an iron beam at a building site. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated approach, using both classic forensic investigation techniques and digital 3-D reconstruction: it allowed verification of the dynamics of the injury and provided important information in assessing the employers liability.