Forensic Medicine · Mechanical Injuries & Wounds

Mechanical Injuries: Definitions & Classification

2 min read · Verified by professors

Mechanical (physical) injuries are produced by physical violence.

Injury vs Wound

Injury — Any harm, whatever, illegally caused to any person in body, mind, reputation or property (Section 44 IPC).

Wound — Any lesion, external or internal, caused by violence, with or without breach of continuity of skin.

Causative force for each injury

Mechanical InjuryUsual Causative Force
AbrasionBlunt force / friction
Bruise (Contusion)Blunt force
LacerationBlunt force
Incised woundSharp cutting force
Stab woundSharp penetrating force
Firearm woundMissile injury
Fracture / Dislocation of bone, tooth or jointBlunt force