Mortal wound

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A mortal wound is a very severe injury sustained in combat or via an accident which leads directly to the death of the victim. Death is not instantaneous, but follows soon after the injury was inflicted. The outcome of a serious wound depends in part on the availability of medical care. If proper medical treatment is immediately provided, the victim has a chance of surviving a wound that would in most circumstances be lethal.

Conversely a scratch could turn deadly if it becomes infected, especially under adverse circumstances. These include poor wound care, an elderly, diabetic or immune-compromised individual or a virulent or antibiotic resistant pathogen.