Which types of damages are awarded to cover medical expenses and loss of earnings?

The type of damages awarded to cover medical expenses and loss of earnings is identified as special damages. Special damages are designed to compensate for specific, quantifiable losses resulting from an injury or accident. This includes medical costs such as hospital bills, treatments, and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages from being unable to work due to the injury.

These damages are distinct from general damages, which address non-economic losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Punitive damages serve a different purpose altogether, aiming to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future, rather than compensating the victim directly for their losses. Compensatory damages is a broader term that can include both special and general damages, but the choice that specifically refers to the quantifiable medical costs and loss of earnings is special damages. Thus, the selection of special damages correctly identifies the category that directly addresses the specific financial impacts of an injury.