Subjects’ Ability to Characterize g’s in Relation to Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

The amount of force associated with a specific activity or event often utilizes g’s (g-force) and the unit of force. In litigation, biomechanics forensic experts provide general causation analysis of injury events, referencing the g’s of the event and often the g’s associated with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). It is assumed that jurors will understand and correctly interpret any presented g values. This research explored the validity of this assumption. A survey instrument was employed that included 610 subjects to probe an individual’s understanding of what g’s are and their beliefs of the associated magnitude of ADL g’s. The results indicated that most adults have a limited understanding of g’s, often holding incorrect beliefs. For example, many believe they do not experience 2 or 3 g’s during daily activities. Therefore, it is useful for the engineering expert to frame g-based analysis with references to ADLs, providing individuals (and jurors) with a proper framework to understand the analysis results. Without such reference points, jurors may misunderstand — and attorneys can misrepresent — the meaning of any g’s associated with the specific case analysis.