How does hitting a tree branch affect someone's fall damage?

[Imaginym]

This is something that's been on my mind a while due to a feat I saw a bit ago.

Basically, I am not smart in regards to physics, nor math, but AFAIK, the Calculations explains how to calculate fall damage, but one must assume that what they hit first is the ground.

But in fiction and in real life, it's not uncommon to hit something on the way down, then keep falling before you hit the ground. I'd assume these would disperse &/or absorb some of the force, but I have no idea how.

Hence, my question: How can one incorporate things such as hitting tree branches and other things encountered while falling, into fall damage calculations?

Also, what of when the fall hits the water?

 

[Kepekley23]

Hitting the water is worse.

 

[Numbersguy]

I never checked to be honest. As far as I know, hitting water is worse because it is almost as hard as the solid ground plus if you break a leg, you will not be able to swim.

 

[Imaginym]

Ahhh. That's good to know. If I may ask, why is hitting the water worse? Also, are you able to provide any information about how hitting structures -tree branches & such- affects the energy received?

Do I take a cylinder/clone of wood & try to have the force of the fall as if it were to hit the ground divided among the wood's surface area or something?

I do appreciate what input you have given, however! Sorry for any bother.

 

[Numbersguy]

Ahhh. That's good to know. If I may ask, why is hitting the water worse? Also, are you able to provide any information about how hitting structures -tree branches & such- affects the energy received?
Do I take a cylinder/clone of wood & try to have the force of the fall as if it were to hit the ground divided among the wood's surface area or something?

I do appreciate what input you have given, however! Sorry for any bother.

If I heard correctly, you get hit hard but not as hard because they aren't quite heavy compared to the ground.

Your idea seems to work.

 

[Imaginym]

@Numbersguy: Hunh. In this case, I suppose the branch absorbing the force rather than dispersing the force would be calculated effectively in the same way(s), right? Not too knowledgeable about physics or calc-ing stuff.