Which statement defines Great Bodily Injury?

• A. bodily injury that causes a substantial risk of death or serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ
• B. bodily injury that is minor
• C. temporary pain
• D. emotional distress only

Answer: (A)

Great Bodily Injury refers to injuries with a high level of severity that go beyond ordinary harm. The defining statement describes it as bodily injury that causes a substantial risk of death or serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ. This captures three important aspects: the risk of death, the potential for permanent, lasting damage, and the possibility of long-term impairment. Because of this, it flags injuries that are truly serious and lasting, not merely minor hurts. For example, temporary pain or minor injuries like a slight bruise do not meet that threshold, and emotional distress alone isn’t a physical injury, whereas a life-threatening injury or permanent loss of function would.