Postmortem Changes and Signs of Death

Postmortem Lividity (Livor Mortis)

Postmortem lividity, or livor mortis, is the settling of blood in the lower portions of the body after death due to gravity. It typically begins within 30 minutes to 2 hours postmortem and becomes fully developed around 6 to 12 hours. This phenomenon is crucial in forensic investigations as it helps determine the time and position of death.

Stages of Livor Mortis

• Early Stage: Blood starts pooling due to lack of circulation.
• Fixed Stage: Lividity becomes permanent, indicating body position at the time of death.
• Late Stage: Blood degradation leads to color variations, aiding forensic analysis.

Forensic Significance

Livor mortis assists forensic experts in estimating postmortem intervals and detecting body relocation. It is especially useful in cases of suspicious deaths.