What is the definition of impairment in this context?

The definition of impairment in this context refers to a permanent loss of use or function of a body part. This understanding is crucial because it indicates a lasting effect that affects an individual's ability to perform normal daily activities. Impairment is typically assessed and quantified in the realm of claims adjusting, especially when determining benefits and compensatory packages related to injuries.

In medical and insurance terminology, impairments are generally categorized in a way that distinguishes them from temporary conditions, recovery processes, or strictly psychological assessments. This definition aligns with the long-term implications that an impairment can have on an individual's life and work capabilities, which is key in claims adjudication and the processes surrounding disability evaluations.

While other options might be related to aspects of medical conditions—like temporary loss, full recovery, or psychological evaluations—they do not capture the essence of what constitutes an impairment in the context of enduring consequences following an injury.