Forensics Talk

Cardiac Injuries in Car Occupants in Fatal Motor Vehicle Collisions – An Autopsy-Based Study

 An important research study below centers on fatal cardiac injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. It's important to note that fractured sternum in a driver can occur even while wearing a seat belt.

 Journal of Forensic & Legal Medicine 

by Elisabeth E. Turk, MDa, Yee-Wah Tsang, MDb, Anisha Champaneri, MDc, Klaus Pueschel, MDd, Roger W. Byard, MDe

Abstract 

Motor vehicle accidents contribute widely to population morbidity and mortality around the world, and cardiac injuries are a major factor determining outcome. Autopsy reports from 380 motor vehicle occupants who died in motor vehicle crashes in Adelaide, Australia, and Hamburg, Germany, over a 6-year period were reviewed, analysing the presence and type of cardiac injuries and their correlation with factors such as crash type, presence of seatbelt/airbag and vehicle speed as well as with the presence of other injuries which might predict the presence of cardiac injuries in a clinical setting. 21.1% had cardiac injuries identified macroscopically autopsy or histology. Cardiac injuries were the only cause of death or contributed to a fatal outcome in 76% of these cases. Sternal fractures and left-sided serial rib fractures were predictive of cardiac injury.

 

Consultant's Training Institute: Expert Witness Bootcamp

 March 14-16, 2011 Chicago, IL

Each participant in the bootcamp will participate as a testifying or consulting expert in a trial involving expert testimony. Participants will learn the art of delivering effective testimony and how to withstand grueling cross examination.

Our consulting expert participants will learn how to dissect and critique the reports and opinions of the testifying experts, and how to prepare counsel for the expert segments of trial. Each participant will be coached and guided by members of our faculty of seasoned experts and trial attorneys.

The bootcamp culminates in a courtroom setting during which each testifying expert presents and defends his or her own expert opinions on the witness stand. 

After completing the Bootcamp, participants will be able to:

• Implement the legal and courtroom protocol for expert witnesses
• Apply the rules of discovery and evidence as relates to experts
• Interface appropriately with retaining and opposing counsel
• Present clear, persuasive, and effective direct testimony
• Survive grueling cross-examination
• Deliver effective deposition testimony
• Communicate effectively with judges and jurors
• Paint a picture in the minds eye of the judge and jury
• Survive Daubert and other motions in limine to exclude expert testimony
• Respond to the opinions of the opposing expert
• Avoid unnecessary “landmines” in the expert’s report and file
• Avoid the mistakes of inexperienced expert

For details on program content, learning objectives, continuing education, and registration: click here

 

Four Little Letters . . . . Killed Her

                             AT&T releases dramatic anti-texting while driving documentary

By Joshua Topolsky posted Dec 27th 2010 12:33PM

 

                                        Please, Don't text and drive!