What term describes injuries that can cause lasting physical or mental suffering to a child?

The term that describes injuries capable of causing lasting physical or mental suffering to a child is considered to be physical injury. Physical injuries can encompass a wide variety of harm, including bruises, broken bones, or any trauma that results from abuse or neglect. Such injuries can have long-term consequences not just on a child's physical health but also on their emotional and psychological development.

While mental injury refers specifically to emotional or psychological harm, it is more focused on the mental impacts rather than the direct physical harm that can cause lasting suffering. Neglect involves a failure to provide necessary care, which can also lead to long-term issues but does not directly refer to the physical injuries themselves. Vicarious liability refers to a legal concept where one party is held responsible for the actions of another. Therefore, the term that best fits the description of lasting physical or mental suffering due to direct harm to a child is physical injury.