Accidental death by gunshot wound--fact or fiction.

Accidental deaths by firearm injury were studied over 11 years, 1972-1982, in Metro-Dade County. A total of 54 cases were studied. After noting the percentage of the cases that occurred by year, the age, race, sex, of the victim were tabulated. Type of weapon, body part involved, whether self-inflicted or not, blood alcohol of victim were also studied along with scene circumstances. A final admonition to the reader on how to handle such cases is discussed.