Godoy Medical Forensics

A Review of Domestic Violence

A Review of Domestic Violence A Review of Domestic Violence When asked to review cases in which someone is charged with Domestic Violence, it inevitably means that the case will be a “He Said – She Said” scenario. It is typical that the victim has a story that is significantly different, in terms of mechanism, […]

Part II: Spinal Soft Tissue Injuries – Symptoms and Treatment

Part II: Spinal Soft Tissue Injuries – Symptoms and Treatment This is part II in a three part series that will address spinal soft tissue injuries from a personal injury perspective.  In this issue we will cover the symptoms and treatment.  Part I was published in the August 2024 newsletter and covered the basics of […]

Part I: Spinal Soft Tissue Injuries – The Basics

Part I of III: Spinal Soft Tissue Injuries – The Basics This is part I in a three part series that will address spinal soft tissue injuries from a personal injury perspective.  In this edition, we will cover the basics of what soft tissue injuries are and how to differentiate between a sprain and a […]

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome The consultants at Godoy Medical Forensics often help their attorney clients with cases that involve alcohol abuse and addiction. Individuals who discontinue alcohol after prolonged use experience physiological and behavioral symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a serious and potentially life threatening condition that requires medical treatment.  Alcohol is a drug that has […]

Can one punch kill?

Can one punch kill? (Blog post originally published in 2011) I recently read a post in the Portland Press Herald about a man who was killed after a single punch to the face. Obviously, the answer is yes, one punch can kill, because we are seeing it more and more often. But that doesn’t necessarily […]

Unveiling Child Maltreatment Through Medical Records

In our line of work as forensic nurse consultants, we understand the crucial role medical records play in identifying and addressing possible child maltreatment cases. Reviewing these records can be a daunting task for you as a criminal attorney or investigator, especially when it involves potential child abuse. Today, we delve into the topic of […]

Fracture from Child Abuse or Bone Disease?

Unexplained Fracture from Child Abuse or Bone Disease? Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a profoundly serious problem that has implications and consequences affecting the child and his family for the rest of their lives, both mentally and physically, and potentially financially. The welfare of the child is a top priority in these cases so […]

Considerations in Child Abuse Cases

Is It Abuse? Allegations of child abuse have very serious implications for all parties involved. The importance of a thorough history of the injury, medical history of the child, and a complete medical work-up are crucial to determine the most likely cause of the injury or injuries to the child. The following information was gleaned […]

Delirium: What role does it play in criminal cases? {DUI/Gen Med}

In many of our cases we come across symptoms of delirium and are asked to determine if they are due to the assumed etiology, like alcohol or drug intoxication; or from something else, like seizures, or traumatic brain injury. So, this month I’d like to do an overview of delirium and its potential causes, and […]