The person who punched a nurse can be sued for which level of physical injuries?

• A. Very serious physical injuries
• B. Slight physical injuries
• C. Less serious physical injuries
• D. Serious physical injuries

Answer: (D)

When someone punches another person, this is an intentional act that can create civil liability for the injuries caused. The level of injuries matters because it helps determine the amount of damages the injured party can seek, such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A punch has the potential to cause substantial harm, not just a minor bruise, so the level of injuries most consistent with this kind of violent act is serious physical injuries. Saying the injuries are slight or merely less serious underplays the potential impact of a punch, while labeling them as very serious is possible but not as representative of the typical harm from a single punch. Serious physical injuries best reflect the substantial harm that can result and the corresponding damages the nurse could pursue.