What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

General damages and special damages are two different types of damages resulting from an accident. General damages are awarded to compensate an injured party for losses which cannot be easily quantified in terms of a specific dollar amount. These types of damages are awarded to accommodate for non-economic losses such as suffering from physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Special damages, also known as economic damages, are awarded to compensate the injured party for losses which can be calculated in terms of a precise dollar amount. These types of damages include medical bills, loss of wages, or repair bills for property that is damaged in an accident. In Pennsylvania, accident law allows injured parties to receive both general and special damages. General damages are based on the amount that is necessary to make the injured party whole, while special damages are calculated based on the actual dollar amount of the losses suffered. If both general and special damages are awarded, the court will determine the appropriate amount that should be paid for each type. The court will look at the severity of the accident in determining the amount of damages that should be awarded to the injured party. Generally, the more severe the accident, the more compensation the injured party will be awarded.

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What is the difference between general damages and special damages?

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