evaluation of a severe burn case with 54% total body surface area injury resulting from an lpg cylinder explosion: clinical and medicolegal perspectives

This case report aims to examine the role of forensic experts in clinical forensic examinations of burn victims. the study focuses on the description and classification of burn injuries and the mechanisms of their occurrence. a 25-year-old male victim suffered severe burn injuries due to an lpg cylinder explosion while working as a barista. the injuries affected 54% of the total body surface area (tbsa), classified as superficial dermal to deep dermal burns involving the face, chest, abdomen, back, and extremities. clinical examination revealed burn injuries of varying severity, ranging from first-degree to second-degree burns. diagnostic investigations, including blood tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and chest radiography, were conducted to support clinical management and prognosis. the therapeutic approach included fluid resuscitation, wound debridement, antibiotic therapy, and dressing with specialized burn management techniques, aimed at stabilizing hemodynamic status, preventing secondary infection, and promoting optimal wound healing. additionally, medicolegal aspects were addressed, detailing the injuries in a visum et repertum report, which highlighted the potential fatality of the injuries and their medicolegal implications. the results emphasize the critical role of clinical and medicolegal evaluations in burn cases to improve treatment outcomes and ensure justice in cases of workplace negligence. this report provides a comprehensive understanding of burn injury classification, pathophysiology, and management, while offering insights into the forensic and medicolegal documentation essential for such cases.