title: [The role, objectives and usefulness of medico-legal determinations in post-accidental procedures in traumatic deaths in hard coal-mining industry].
abstract: The underground hard coal-mining sector demonstrates one of the highest rates of fatal accidents, in spite of a decline in coal-mining over the last few years. Post-accidental investigations, including forensic medical expertise, continue to present a significant problem. The objective of the research was to evaluate the role, tasks and usefulness of medico-legal determinations in post-accidental procedures in traumatic deaths in hard coal-mining industry. The study was carried out retrospectively by investigating files and autopsy reports, with attention focusing on the scope of necessary activities and medico-legal examinations in order to determine the cause and manner of death, and on identification of fatalities, especially in the cases of collective occupational accidents. Complex medico-legal determinations (identification, autopsy), supplemented by additional investigations (toxicology, histopathology and hemogenetics) provide a valuable source of evidence for legal authorities and post-accidental commissions. Mutual cooperation of the experts representing various branches of science is the basis of executing appropriate procedures after a traumatic death in the coal mine.
authors.affiliation: Katedry i Zakładu Medycyny Sadowej i Toksykologii Sadowo-Lekarskiej Slaskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach. rafal-skowronek@wp.pl
authors.forename: Rafał
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Skowronek
authors.forename: Czesław
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chowaniec
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000401:mortality*; D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods; D002423:Cause of Death; D003032:Coal Mining; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality; D055815:Young Adult