What is personal injury? How to use in English

The term "personal injury" dates back to the late 1800s in the common law legal system, particularly in English-speaking countries. It originally referred to any physical or mental harm inflicted upon a person that was not considered part of a criminal offense. Historically, injury claims fell under the category of civil, or tort, law, in contrast to criminal law, which deals with crimes against society. Civil lawsuits seek to make the injured party whole again, or to compensate them for their losses, rather than punishing the wrongdoer. The legal description of "personal injury" broadened over time to include a range of harm beyond physical injuries, such as mental or emotional trauma, loss of income, and damage to one's reputation. In modern times, personal injury claims also cover wrongful death cases, where a loved one's passing is attributed to the negligence or intentional acts of another person or entity. The concept of personal injury remains essential, as it provides individuals with the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for causing them harm, seeking compensation and justice, and preventing similar injuries from happening to others.