Legal Definitions - bodily injury

Bodily injury refers to any physical harm, damage, or impairment sustained by a person's body. This can include a wide range of injuries, from visible external wounds like cuts, bruises, and broken bones, to less obvious internal damage such as concussions, organ damage, or whiplash. It also encompasses illnesses or diseases caused by an external event or exposure that negatively impacts a person's physical health or bodily functions.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of bodily injury:

• Example 1: Car Accident

  During a rear-end collision, a passenger experiences a severe jolt, resulting in a fractured collarbone and a concussion. Both injuries require immediate medical attention and ongoing physical therapy.

  Explanation: The fractured collarbone is a clear physical break in a bone, and the concussion represents trauma to the brain, both of which are direct physical harms to the body caused by the impact of the accident. These are classic examples of bodily injury.

• Example 2: Workplace Incident

  An employee working in a factory accidentally comes into contact with a corrosive chemical, causing severe chemical burns to their hand and arm, leading to blistering and tissue damage.

  Explanation: The chemical burns are a direct physical injury to the skin and underlying tissues of the employee's body. This harm, caused by an external agent, clearly falls under the definition of bodily injury.

• Example 3: Slip and Fall

  While walking through a grocery store, a customer slips on a puddle of spilled liquid, falling awkwardly and twisting their knee. Medical examination reveals a torn ligament in the knee, requiring surgery.

  Explanation: The torn ligament in the knee is a physical damage to a part of the customer's body, directly resulting from the fall. This injury impairs the knee's function and causes pain, making it a clear instance of bodily injury.