Work

Terminological Ambiguities in Clinical Injury Reports and Their Impact on Forensic Assessment: A Multidisciplinary, Retrospective, Corpus-Based Study in Hungary

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Clinical documentation of injuries is essential for forensic evaluation, especially in criminal cases. However, vague descriptions and inconsistent terminology often reduce the forensic utility of these records. This study examines the terminological quality and forensic interpretability of clinical injury documentation with the aim of improving medico-legal assessments. Methods: A corpus of 1000 Hungarian medical diagnostic reports of injuries was analyzed using descriptive statistics and manual terminological review. Results: Significant gaps in morphological detail and frequent terminological inconsistencies were found. Terms describing incised and chop wounds were often used interchangeably or inaccurately, impairing forensic interpretation of injury mechanisms, instruments, severity, and anatomical location. These variations also challenge bodily harm classification and injury event reconstruction. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for harmonizing clinical and forensic terminology. Improved consistency in injury documentation will enhance its clarity, reliability, and forensic value, facilitating better interdisciplinary collaboration and legal outcomes.

Source: Forensic Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/forensicsci5030046

Authors: Katalin Fogarasi, Gábor Simon, Gábor Gyenes, Péter Gergely, Zoltán Patonai

Institutions: Semmelweis University, University of Pecs, University of Debrecen

Language: English

Topic: Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207