Which of the following best describes serious bodily injury?

Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that poses a significant risk of permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or creates a substantial risk of death. The correct choice highlights the severity and potential long-term consequences of such injuries.

In contrast, minor bruising, temporary pain, and negligible injuries requiring little medical attention do not meet the legal threshold for what constitutes serious bodily injury. These lesser injuries typically do not incur significant medical consequences or long-term impacts on an individual’s health or quality of life, thereby distinguishing them from serious bodily injuries, which carry more severe implications for the victim.