Pain and suffering are general damages, while which of the following is typically considered special damages?

• A. Compensatory damages.
• B. Special damages.
• C. Punitive damages.
• D. Nominal damages.

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing general and special damages. Pain and suffering are general damages because they represent non-economic harms that are not easily quantifiable. Special damages, on the other hand, are the economic losses that can be itemized and calculated, such as medical bills, past and future earnings, and out-of-pocket expenses for treatment or property repair. The term that directly names these quantifiable losses is the best fit for what the question asks. Compensatory damages encompass both general and special, while punitive damages aim to punish wrongful conduct and nominal damages recognize a minimal injury with little real loss. So, the label that corresponds to the quantifiable, economic losses is special damages.