Electrocution and Lightning

Chapter 24 Electrocution and Lightning Ryan Blumenthal, Ryan BlumenthalSearch for more papers by this author Ryan Blumenthal, Ryan BlumenthalSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Burkhard Madea, Burkhard Madea Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 14 March 2014 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118570654.ch24Citations: 1 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Summary Electrocution fatality cases can be extremely difficult to investigate. It is advised that only experienced forensic pathologists deal with these cases. The majority of electrothermal injury cases are accidental in nature, the rest are suicidal and the minority are homicidal in nature. This chapter focuses on the typical electrocution event and the atypical electrocution event. A timely and thorough scene investigation is critical, especially in low voltage electrocution cases, where few or no physical findings at autopsy are common. A complete postmortem examination should be performed. Lightning can also end a life on earth within a millisecond; lightning can cause the sudden death of a human, animal, bird or even plant. From a scene investigation point of view there are many signs to look for which are little known. It is highly likely that these signs might not be looked for and/or missed upon scene inspection. References Aigner, N., Fialka, C., Fritz, A., Wruhs, O. & Zoch, G. (1997) Complications in the use of diathermy. Burns 23(3), 256–64. 10.1016/S0305-4179(96)00113-1 CASPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Alexander, R.C., Surrel, J.A. & Chloe, S.D. (1987) Microwave oven burns to children: an unusual manifestation of child abuse. 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