Great bodily injury refers to a severe physical harm or damage caused to a person's body, resulting in significant pain, impairment, or disability. It is a legal term commonly employed within the context of criminal law and personal injury cases. An act causing great bodily injury typically involves an intentional or reckless action that goes beyond mere negligence and results in substantial harm to another individual.
The level of harm required to constitute great bodily injury may vary depending on jurisdiction and the specific laws in place. Typically, it surpasses ordinary physical pain that a person might experience from everyday incidents. Great bodily injury involves substantial harm, serious injury, or trauma that permanently alters an individual's physical condition or impairs their ability to function.
Examples of great bodily injury can include broken bones, severe lacerations, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or any injury that causes protracted disfigurement or disability. The determination of whether an injury constitutes "great bodily injury" is often subjective, and it may be assessed by considering the extent of the damage, the lasting impact on the victim's life, and the duration of the physical impairment caused.
In legal proceedings, the classification of an injury as "great bodily injury" carries significant weight. Typically, it leads to more severe penalties for the defendant in criminal cases or higher compensation for the victim in personal injury claims, highlighting the gravity of the harm inflicted.
