Indiana legal term
Catastrophic injury in Indiana Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Indiana legislative session
In Indiana criminal law, “Catastrophic injury” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Indiana criminal code.
What does “Catastrophic injury” mean in Indiana criminal law?
"Catastrophic injury" means bodily injury so severe that a person's ability to live independently is significantly impaired for a period of at least one (1) year. (Ind. Code § 35-31.5-2-34.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Duties of driver of motor vehicle involved in accident; sentencing
- Driving without a license
- Criminal recklessness
- Operating while suspended; penalties
- Resisting law enforcement; interfering with public safety
- Rioting
- Operating motor vehicle while privileges are forfeited for life; habitual traffic violator who causes bodily injury or death; penalties
- Penalties; death or catastrophic injury; death of a law enforcement animal
- Penalties; prior offenses; passenger less than 18 years of age
- Vehicles displaying flashing lights; yield right-of-way; violation
- Neglect of a dependent; child selling
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.