Accidental Fatal Neck Injury from Mechanical Saw: A Case Study and Forensic Perspective

Abstract

Accidental cutthroat injuries caused by mechanical saws are rare but can result in fatal outcomes, requiring meticulous forensic investigation to determine the manner of death. This case report describes the postmortem findings of a 21-year-old carpenter who sustained a fatal cutthroat injury while operating an electric circular saw. The injury pattern, including complete severance of critical neck structures and the absence of hesitation marks or defensive wounds, confirmed the accidental nature of the incident. This report discusses the forensic considerations, medico-legal implications, and the importance of workplace safety, supported by a review of similar cases in the literature.