What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

The difference between general damages and special damages in accident law in Hawaii is an important distinction to make. General damages are non-economic losses that are awarded after an accident to compensate for the intangible losses experienced by the victim. These losses can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, mental anguish, and disfigurement or scarring. Because these losses are hard to quantify, it is difficult to assign a specific dollar amount to compensate for them. Special damages, on the other hand, are economic losses experienced by the victim that can be quantified with an exact dollar amount. These losses can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident. These losses can be calculated by using financial documents such as medical bills, paystubs, and repair estimates. In Hawaii, the damages awarded by the court to the victim of an accident may include both general and special damages. The amount of the award is usually determined by the judge or jury, and it is based on the evidence presented in court. Ultimately, it is up to the injured party to provide adequate accounting of all their losses to make sure they are fully compensated for their losses.

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What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

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