Accidental injury

Accidental Injury

Accidental injury (pronunciation: /ækˈsɪdəntl ˈɪndʒəri/), also known as an unintentional injury, is an injury that occurs without any deliberate intent.

Etymology

The term "accidental injury" is derived from the Latin word "accidens" which means "event" and the Old French word "injurie" which means "wrongful action".

Definition

An accidental injury is an unforeseen and unplanned event that results in harm, damage, or loss. This can include physical harm to a person, such as a broken bone, burn, or concussion, or damage to property.

Types of Accidental Injuries

There are many types of accidental injuries, including:

Falls: This is when a person unintentionally descends due to gravity and lands on a lower level, which can result in various injuries.
Motor vehicle accidents: These are accidents that involve motor vehicles, which can result in injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Drownings: This is when a person suffocates in a liquid, usually water.
Poisonings: This is when a person ingests, inhales, injects, or absorbs a harmful substance into their body.
Burns: These are injuries to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, or radiation.

Related Terms

First aid: The immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly taken ill.
Emergency medicine: A medical specialty involving care for undifferentiated and unscheduled patients with illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Trauma: A physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence.