Self-inflicted injuries: Three case reports

Med Leg J. 2020 Dec;88(4):223-227. doi: 10.1177/0025817220935909. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

Abstract

The means by which people self-harm are diverse and so are the motives that drive them. They are intended for personal gain which may be psychological, legal or material. Fabricated injuries may be self-inflicted or permitted by others. We present three cases of fabricated injuries over the shoulder and upper limbs both alleging assault with a firearm. In all the cases meticulous examination elicited suspicion on how these were caused. Meticulous examination is essential to differentiate true from false accusations so that no innocent person is punished.

Keywords: Fabricated injuries; firearm; gun; gun-shot wounds; self-harm; self-inflicted injuries; self-suffered injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Deception*
  • Forensic Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / pathology*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / pathology*