MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL INJURIES PHYSICAL INJURY -It is the effect of some forms of stimulus on the body.

-The effect may only be apparent when the stimulus applied is insufficient to cause injury and the body resistance is great Causes of Physical Injuries: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Physical Violence Heat or Cold Electrical Energy Chemical Energy Radiation by Radio-Active Substances Change of Atmospheric Pressure(Barotrauma) Infection

v. PHYSICAL INJURIES BROUGHT ABOUT BY PHYSICAL VIOLENCE Effect:production of wound *WOUND- It is the solution of the natural continuity of any tissue of the living body. It is the disruption of the anatomic integrity of a tissue of a body 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 b. Non-mortal wound- Wound which is not capable of producing death immediately after infliction or shortly thereafter 2. As to the kind of instrument used: a. Wound brought about by blunt instrument (contusion, hematoma, lacerated wound) b. Wound brought about by sharp instrument *Sharp-edged instrument (incised wound) *Sharp- pointed instrument (punctured wound) *Sharp-edged and sharp-pointed instrument (stab wound) c) Wound brought about by tearing force (lacerated wound) d) Wound brought about by the change of atmospheric pressure (barotrauma) e) Wound brought about by heat or cold f) Wound brought about by chemical explosion g) Wound brought about by infection

3. As to manner of Infliction -hit, thrust or stab, gunpowder explosion, sliding or rubbing or abrasion