Case Studies
Residential Accident
A 33 year old woman fell down the stairs at a residence. We were asked to determine whether
the handrail broke as a result of the fall, or if it broke which subsequently caused the fall.
We analyzed the fractures, contusions, and abrasions she sustained by thorough review of the medical records. She sustained a wrist fracture and had various scattered abrasions and contusions including a wound on her lower leg in which splinters were documented. We also reviewed witness testimony, scene photographs, and inspected the accident site. The subject handrail was found to be of wood construction and the broken segment of the handrail was near the bottom of the staircase. We then experimentally tested a surrogate handrail and determined its strength to three-point bending. The force required to break the handrail was found to be consistent with interaction between the handrail and someone moving at high speed.
Based on the location of the broken rail with respect to her position of final rest, the strength of the handrail, and the shape and presence of wood in a wound on her lower leg, we determined that the handrail broke as a result of the fall.