Quote:
Originally Posted by superyob
So if someone has a serious but non fatal gunshot wound which gets a toxic infection and that person dies, what is the cause of death???
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I think you are starting to troll.
It will depend on the period of time that has elapsed between the wound and the death which is no different to (for example) the road fatality statistics where a road accident fatality is only recorded if death occurs within 30 days of the accident.
Statistical data isn't actually designed to establish root cause. There is an internationally recognised standard coding set (ICD-10) that we use a slightly modified form of in Australia which allows for multiple causes of death to be recorded where appropriate and sets the definitions as to causal periods.