What does "great bodily injury" refer to in legal terms?

"Great bodily injury" in legal terms refers specifically to an injury that results in significant or serious physical harm to a person. This concept encompasses injuries that not only create a substantial risk of death but also include severe disfigurement or loss of function of any body part. The emphasis on "substantial risk" highlights the seriousness of the injury in question, moving beyond minor or temporary harm. This distinction is vital in differentiating between various levels of physical harm, especially in legal contexts where the implications for consequences and penalties may vary significantly based on the severity of the injury sustained. Options that describe minimal, temporary, or psychological injuries do not align with the legal understanding of "great bodily injury," which is focused on severe, lasting physical damage that can have profound impacts on a person's health and well-being.