MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL INJURIES

Physical Injuries is the effect of some forms of stimulus on the body. The effect may be immediate or may be delayed. Causes of physical Injuries a) Physical Violence b) Heat or cold c) Electrical energy d) Chemical energy e) Radiation by radio-active substance f) Change in atmospheric pressure (barotrauma) g) infection

A. Physical Injury by physical Violence

The effect of the application of physical violence on a person is the production of wound disruption of the anatomic integrity of a tissue of the body. Wound kinetic energy x time x area x other factors

 Vital Reaction The sum total of all the reactions or organ to trauma. Rubor redness or congestion of the area due to increase blood supply Calor - sensation of heat or increase in temp. Dolor pain on account of involvement of sensory nerve Loss of function on account of trauma, the tissue may not be able to function normally.

Classification of Wounds
1. As to Severity:
a) Mortal wound- wound which is caused immediately after infliction or shortly thereafter that is capable of causing death.
I. II. III. IV. Heart and big blood vessels. Brain and upper portion of spinal cord. Lungs. Stomach, liver, spleen, intestine.

b) Non-mortal wound- wound which is not capable of producing death immediately after infliction.

2. As to the Kind of Instrument Used:

a) wound brought about by blunt instruments ( contusion, hematoma, lacerated wound) b) Wound brought about by sharp instrument