Autopsy, PMCT Scanning and 3D Reconstruction in Wrongful Death Traffic Accident Cases

At the Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, we handle some of the most difficult wrongful death personal injury cases in California and the nation. In such cases, our experts are prepared to utilize the most advanced technologies and methodologies to determine liability (fault) and damages (simply put, the consequences of an accident). This article is intended to describe the use of PMCT scanning, Blender software, and traditional autopsy, which have become staples in modern wrongful death litigation. We hope this webpage provides you with resources to understand how excellent personal injury law firms do their work.

Of course, the information provided is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute specific medical, scientific, or legal advice.

PMCT Scanning: A Vital New Tool in Forensic Investigation

Traditionally, autopsies have been the cornerstone of determining the cause and mechanism of death. However, the advent of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) scanning, often used in addition to a traditional autopsy, and sophisticated 3D modeling techniques, offers new and compelling insights into the complex injuries sustained by our clients. This technology can provide a critical tool in understanding and presenting complex medical evidence.

Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) represents a significant advancement in forensic pathology, whose goal is to determine the manner and cause of death (Chatzaraki et al 2018). This non-invasive imaging technique generates detailed cross-sectional images, and can provide a layered, detailed view of the entire body. What distinguishes PMCT is its ability to offer a 3D perspective of the body’s internal organs, bones, and soft tissues before any surgical intervention takes place. This is fundamentally different from traditional autopsies, where the body is altered during the examination. The non-invasive approach of PMCT prior to autopsy offers a multitude of benefits that can improve the accuracy and clarity of forensic analysis and, as a result, traffic accident fatality investigations.

While traditional autopsies remain indispensable analytic tools in forensic pathology, one significant advantage of PMCT is its supplemental ability to provide comprehensive injury visualization. The scanner can detect subtle fractures, foreign bodies, body cavity findings, and other injuries that might be challenging or even impossible to identify during a conventional autopsy (Chatzaraki et al 2018; Schmitt-Sody et al 2016; Schweizer et al 2017). The sheer detail provided can allow pathologists, forensic experts, and legal counsel to understand the full extent of a person’s trauma and facilitate a more precise determination of the cause of death. Furthermore, PMCT offers a non-destructive method of examination. The integrity of the body remains intact, enabling repeated examinations and consultations with multiple experts, and affording each expert to review the same unaltered data. This is especially crucial in complex cases. The preservation of the body allows for thorough review and collaborative analysis, ensuring the most accurate assessment possible.

Like X-Rays and MRIs, PMCT also provides objective documentation. The images generated serve as an unbiased and permanent record of sustained trauma, making them

invaluable in legal proceedings. These images can be presented to experts, juries, and judges to illustrate the biomechanics of a traffic accident, and severity of the injuries. This objective evidence can significantly strengthen legal arguments on behalf of our clients.

The Benefits of Combining PMCT with Traditional Autopsy

Recognizing the individual strengths of PMCT and traditional autopsies, it is crucial to understand that the PMCT should not be understood as a substitute for autopsy (Kuruc et al 2022). For instance, autopsy can reveal subtle fracture hematomas, which are not usually depicted by PMCT, and in exposing soft tissue and internal organ pathology and some ligament injuries (Schmiddt-Sody et al 2016; Okuda and Hayakawa 2013).

As a result, there is a clear argument for leveraging both techniques to accurately and completely assess of the cause and manner of death (Kuruc et al 2022). PMCT can serve as valuable information for the autopsy, highlighting specific areas of interest and allowing for more targeted dissection. The information gained from the scan can allow pathologists to focus their attention critical regions. Oppositely, traditional autopsy can provide microscopic examination of tissues and fluids, complementing macroscopic findings from the PMCT scan. This microscopic analysis can reveal cellular-level details and biochemical markers that are not visible on the scan, further enhancing the understanding of the disease processes or injuries involved. By combining the strengths of both techniques, all parties to a lawsuit can understand the circumstances surrounding a fatal traffic accident.

3D Reconstruction with Blender: Software to Visualize Trauma

The rich field of data produced by PMCT scans can be further amplified and clarified through the use of sophisticated 3D modeling software. Blender is an example of open-source, professional-grade 3D tool that offers powerful tools for manipulating and visualizing anatomical data in compelling and informative ways (Becker 2021). The use of these tools allows a deeper understanding of the mechanics of trauma that would not be visible with the naked eye.

High-quality images can be derived through software such as Blender to present cases and demonstrate the impact of trauma on the body. Blender can be used to create detailed, photo-realistic images of injuries sustained in traffic accidents. These images can be presented in court to help jurors understand the nature and extent of the trauma. The visual clarity and detail provided by these images can be far more informative than traditional photographs or dry verbal accounts by medical experts at trial, making it easier for opposing counsel, jurors, and judges to grasp the complexities of the case.

In addition, software such Blender can produce animations that simulate traffic incidents and better demonstrate the mechanisms of injury in traffic accidents. Beyond still images, Blender can be used to create dynamic animations that simulate the sequence of events leading to the victim’s injuries. These animations can provide a powerful visual aid for understanding the biomechanics of the accident and the forces involved, helping to clarify the complex chain of events that resulted in the fatality. By manipulating the 3D models, experts can demonstrate how specific injuries were likely sustained, providing valuable insights into the cause of death. These reconstructions can be crucial in establishing the facts of your case.

Medical and Legal Applications

The combined application of PMCT scanning and 3D reconstruction holds substantial significance for investigations of traffic accident fatalities. These technologies result in evidence that is more thorough, accurate, and impactful. The integration of these tools can affect cases in various ways.

PMCT images and 3D models provide compelling visual evidence that can strengthen legal arguments and help laypersons visualize trauma in the body. Expert witnesses can also deploy PMCT data and 3D visualizations to explain complex medical concepts to juries in a clear, compelling way. By using visual aids to simplify complicated medical information, experts can make their testimony more persuasive and impactful.

When used carefully and appropriately, PMCT and 3D modelling can improve the accuracy of accident reconstructions. With the insights gained from these tools, accident reconstructionists can develop more accurate and detailed simulations, helping to explain event sequences and other factors that contributed to a fatal accident. The objective and compelling nature of PMCT evidence can facilitate settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

At The Law Office of Scott Herndon, our goal is to present our cases with clear and irrefutable visual evidence, as we work rigorously to reach a fair settlements for our clients, avoiding the expense and uncertainty of a trial if at all possible.

Our Commitment

At the Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, we are dedicated to retaining experts and using technology on the cutting edge of forensic science. We work with leading experts skilled in the interpretation of PMCT scans and the creation of compelling 3D visualizations. If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, we are here to provide compassionate and rigorous legal representation.