What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

The difference between general damages and special damages in Minnesota accident law is that general damages refer to non-economic losses suffered by the plaintiff in an accident whereas special damages refer to quantifiable economic losses experienced by the plaintiff as a result of the accident. General damages are not always awarded in Minnesota accident law and do not have a specific dollar amount assigned to them. Instead, these are subjective losses determined by evaluating the circumstances of the plaintiff’s case. These include physical and emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. Special damages, on the other hand, are objective losses that can be directly attributed to the negligence of the defendant. These are usually quantifiable and monetary losses, such as medical expenses, lost income from time off work, and repair or replacement of damaged property. Special damages are usually easily proven and can be calculated and assigned a dollar value. In Minnesota accident law, both general and special damages may be awarded as part of a settlement or verdict in a personal injury case. They may be combined together or separately depending on the circumstances of the case. It is important to understand the difference between the two and how they can affect a settlement or judgement.

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What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

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