COMPENSATORY DAMAGES IN CIVIL CASES: UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

Compensatory damages are awarded to the plaintiff in a civil case to compensate for losses or damages suffered.

There are two types of compensatory damages: actual damages and general damages.

Actual damages are awarded to compensate for specific losses, such as medical bills or lost wages.

General damages are awarded to compensate for non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.

Compensatory damages are meant to make the plaintiff whole again, not to punish the defendant.

The amount of compensatory damages awarded is based on the actual losses suffered by the plaintiff.

Compensatory damages are a common form of compensation in civil cases, and are often awarded in cases involving personal injury, breach of contract, or property damage.