Death by sharp force injuries of vein vessels: three different case reports

Death due to sharp force venous haemorrhage is a cause of death described in forensic practice and often presents a challenge to the forensic pathologist who is called upon to answer as to the manner of death. In this study we present three case reports united by the cause of death, i.e. fatal bleeding from injury to a small or large-calibre venous vessel, each possessing distinctive features. From the analysis of these cases, the authors aim to emphasise the importance of the medico-legal inspection and knowledge of the cofactors that are sometimes essential in the determination of death, particularly when this is due to injury of small-calibre peripheral venous vessels.