Citation

Lahouel A, Piette MHA. J. Med. Leg. Droit Med. 2006; 49(7-8): 355-359.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Masson)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Lift accidents are still frequent notwithstanding preventive measures to improve security in buildings. Falls in the lift shaft could be accidental, suicidal or criminal. Sometimes, the manner of death is rather difficult to identify, as in the present case where at first sight a criminal case was suspected. After a tough investigation the case could be a mere accidental fall due to a mechanical defect of the lift door. Only the complete autopsy including intensive histological examinations could reveal the real cause of death, namely extensive traumatic fat embolisation due to a fall in the lift shaft.

Language: fr

Keywords

human; suicide; accident; autopsy; case report; article; criminal behavior; falling; preventive health service; Survival time; histopathology; building; Elevator shaft accident; fat embolism; Fat embolism; Lift accident; Suspicious act