What defines a fatal injury?

A fatal injury is specifically defined as one that results in the death of an individual. This definition is clear and straightforward because it focuses solely on the outcome of the injury—the loss of life. In this context, a fatal injury distinguishes itself from other types of injuries, such as those that may lead to long-term disability, require hospitalization, or are classified as minor. For example, long-term disabilities and hospitalizations can occur due to severe injuries but do not necessarily result in death, thus failing to meet the criteria for being labeled a fatal injury. Similarly, minor injuries do not carry the severity required to classify them as fatal. Therefore, the definition of a fatal injury is unambiguous and relies entirely on the consequence of death.