Evaluation of possibilities of differentiating the causes of fatal falls from a height using the Berghaus scale

Abstract

Aim of the study : In Poland, approximately several hundred of individuals die due to falls from a height annually; in some cases, it is difficult to determine explicitly whether the fall was caused by an accident or suicidal attempt. The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of the 14-point Berghaus scale for differentiation of fatal falls from a height resulting from accidents or suicides. Material and methods : The study material included the results of post-mortem examinations of 41 fatalities of falls from a height performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine in Lublin, which were confronted with the data from the records of prosecutor’s proceedings. Conclusions : The analysis of materials confirmed high usefulness of the Berghaus score criteria to conclude whether the fall was accidental or resulted from suicide.

Keywords

• fall from a height
• suicide
• accident
• Berghaus scale