The forensic investigation of fatal lightning strike victims reconsidered and revised

Abstract

The medico-legal investigation of lightning-associated deaths has been reconsidered and revised. Two aspects - `mechanism of lightning strike' and `mechanism of lightning death' - will be addressed in this paper. By determining these two `mechanisms', the forensic investigation of fatal lightning-strike victims will be taken further. The reconsidered and revised guidelines advocate a more refined and multi-disciplinary approach, which will hopefully feedback directly into the community with regard to lightning safety and lightning protection.