Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Progressive construction of the multi storied buildings and development of metropolitan culture has led to increase in incidences of fatalities due to fall from height Pattern of injuries might differ in fall from different heights and also in different manner Therefore, it is essential for the medico legal experts to analyze the nature and pattern of injuries sustained to the victim to form a definite opinion as to the nature of fall.

The study was conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur during the period of April, 2015 to August, 2016. A total 96 cases of unintentional fall were included in this study.

Males out-numbered the females in cases of deaths due fall from height in the present study (83.33%). In majority of cases head was the site of impact (78.13%).Most fatalities due to falls from height occurred due to cranio-cerebral damage followed by spinal cord damage and hypovolemic shock with maximum falls between 5 to 15 feet.

Lack of safety measures and unsafe practices at work seem to be one of the important parameters for such incidences resulting in fatality. Pattern of injuries together with crime scene examination may prove useful in determining the manner of death although they cannot be relied upon solely as every case has to be dealt with as per its specific findings. Safety measures should be targeting male groups. Target age group of safety measurements should be between 31–50 yr age group