Which of the following injuries constitutes physical injury as defined in Wisconsin definitions?

• A. Minor bruise
• B. Fractured bones
• C. A small cut that does not bleed
• D. A scrape or abrasion

Answer: (B)

Physical injury in Wisconsin means an impairment of physical condition or substantial pain caused by the act. A fractured bone clearly represents an impairment of the body’s physical condition and typically requires medical treatment, so it meets the definition of physical injury. The other options describe superficial or minor injuries that do not amount to an impairment of physical condition under this definition. A minor bruise, a small cut that doesn’t bleed, or a scrape/abrasion may be injuries, but they are not considered physical injury because they do not constitute the impairment focus of the definition.