Legal Definitions - physical harm

Physical harm refers to any injury, illness, pain, or impairment inflicted upon a person's body. This can encompass a wide range of physical ailments, from visible wounds like cuts, bruises, or broken bones, to internal injuries, diseases, or conditions that affect bodily function, cause discomfort, or require medical intervention. It specifically addresses damage to the physical being, distinguishing it from other forms of harm such as emotional distress or damage to reputation, though physical harm often leads to these other consequences.

• Example 1: During a public event, an individual intentionally shoves another person, causing them to fall and suffer a sprained ankle and several abrasions on their arm.

  Explanation: The sprained ankle and abrasions are direct injuries to the person's body, causing pain, limiting mobility, and requiring medical care. These are clear instances of physical harm.

• Example 2: A driver, distracted by their phone, runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, causing the occupants of the second car to suffer whiplash, a fractured collarbone, and internal bruising.

  Explanation: The whiplash, fractured collarbone, and internal bruising are all injuries to the occupants' bodies, resulting in pain, impairment, and the need for medical treatment. This demonstrates physical harm caused by negligence.

• Example 3: A restaurant knowingly serves contaminated food, leading several patrons to develop severe food poisoning, characterized by intense stomach pain, vomiting, and dehydration requiring hospitalization.

  Explanation: The food poisoning, with its associated symptoms of stomach pain, vomiting, and dehydration, constitutes an illness and impairment to the patrons' bodily functions. This is a form of physical harm, even if there are no visible external injuries.