Distribution of facial injuries in cases involving a fall on a flat surface.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Determination whether injuries identified on the victim's head were caused by a blow made by another person or by a fall resulting in hitting a surface.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of archive photographs taken routinely at the Forensic Institute in Krakow, Poland, to document post-mortem examinations in the years 2004-2012.

RESULTS: A comparative analysis of the images clearly shows that certain areas are much more vulnerable to contact with the surface and thus to injuries; other areas are clearly protected in the case of a fall on a flat surface.

CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a fall on a solid, flat surface, injuries are located first of all on brow ridges, nasal bridge and nasal apex, on the malar area and on the front surface of the chin. The following areas are clearly protected: eyelids, eyebrows, medial and upper parts of the cheeks, lips and the lower part of the chin.