Which damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering?

Which damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering?

• A. Special Damages
• B. General Damages
• C. Punitive Damages
• D. Consequential Damages

Answer: (B)

General damages compensate for non-economic harms like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses are intangible and not easily priced, so they’re separated from out-of-pocket costs. Special damages cover concrete, economic costs such as medical expenses and lost wages. Punitive damages are about punishment for especially wrongful conduct, not about compensating for harm suffered. Consequential damages are damages that arise as a result of a breach and are typically economic in nature, like lost profits. So, for intangible harms such as pain and suffering, the appropriate category is general damages.

General damages compensate for non-economic harms like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses are intangible and not easily priced, so they’re separated from out-of-pocket costs. Special damages cover concrete, economic costs such as medical expenses and lost wages. Punitive damages are about punishment for especially wrongful conduct, not about compensating for harm suffered. Consequential damages are damages that arise as a result of a breach and are typically economic in nature, like lost profits. So, for intangible harms such as pain and suffering, the appropriate category is general damages.