Pattern of Medico-Legal Cases at KLES’S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: ABSTRACT In the recent times, medico-legal cases are on the rise. Pattern of Medico-legal cases is of importance for those, who are related with Law and Order, doctors and who are concerned with their documentation. Hence the present study is undertaken to know the pattern of medico-legal cases. Methods: Present cross-sectional study was conducted at KLES’S DR. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum from 01-01-2009 to 31-12-2009. Total of 2120 cases registered at the medico-legal register were studied. Results: Out of 2120 cases, RTA constituted the maximum of 68.8%. Maximum number of victims ( 33.5% ) was between 21-30 years and 75.2 % of victims were males. More than 50% of incidents occurred in urban areas and the mortality rate was 9%. Occupants of motor cycle ( 59.8% ) cases were the highest number of victims involved in RTA. Commonest cause of death in RTA’s was head injury ( 59.1% ) . Majority ( 26.1% ) of the fall cases were from staircase. With regards to poisoning, agriculturists were the highest ( 43.1% ) in number among the victims and agrochemicals ( 67.0% ) were the commonest type of poison. Maximum ( 69.5% ) cases of burns were due to dry heat and the most common cause of burns was flame ( 45.2% ) . Majority of assault cases ( 71.0% ) were by hard blunt weapon. Most common animal species involved in bites were snakes ( 53.3% ) . Maximum number of mechanical asphyxia cases was due to hanging ( 52.4% ) . iv Conclusion and interpretation: Various preventive measures can be employed to minimize the medico-legal cases. The results of the present study could be useful in interpreting the types of medico-legal cases and strategic planning can be made accordingly for the benefit of the community and people at large.