Medicolegal Investigation of Electrocution: The importance of the scene of the accident.

Korean J Leg Med. 2002 Oct;26(2):10-19. Korean.

Department of Forensic medicine, Central district Office, NISI, Korea. isyme@nisi.go.kr

Electrocutions are relatively rare. However, the electrocutions are gradually increasing as the increases of the use of electricity. In this study, we diagnosed 46 cases as electrocutions among author's autopsy cases from 1991 to 2002 year and reviewed in aspects of forensic medicine. The results were as follows : 1. All cases were males and average age was 35.6 years. 2. Electrocutions occur most frequently in July and August, which are particularly hot and humid. 3. 38 victims were the worker and 44 cases were accident in the manner of death. Only two cases were suicide. 4. 28 cases showed the typical current mark, especially in the fingers and hands(15 cases). 5. The scene investigation by specialists or policemen were made in 36 cases. 6. Forensic pathologists should consider the thorough investigation of the scene for exact diagnosis, if the victims were suspected of accidental electrocution.