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What are the two types of compensatory damages?

  1. Special and punitive

  2. Special and general

  3. General and punitive

  4. Specific and general

The correct answer is: Special and general

Compensatory damages are awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for losses suffered due to another party's actions. The two main types of compensatory damages are special and general damages. Special damages refer to quantifiable monetary losses that can be calculated and documented. This includes things like medical expenses, repair costs, and lost wages, which can be easily itemized and presented in court. General damages, on the other hand, encompass non-monetary losses that are subjective and not easily quantifiable. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. General damages are intended to provide compensation for the long-term impacts of injury or loss that do not have a specific monetary value tied to them. Understanding the distinction between these two types of damages is critical in legal contexts, as they help to determine the total compensation a plaintiff may receive for their claims. Special damages provide a clear financial picture, while general damages address the more intangible suffering that might arise from an incident.