What is the difference between compensatory and monetary damages?

Compensatory damages and monetary damages are two different types of damages that can be awarded in cases of personal injury due to an accident in Pennsylvania. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate an injured person for the losses they have suffered as a result of an accident, while monetary damages are those that have a specific dollar value attached to them. Compensatory damages attempt to put the injured party in the same position they were in prior to the accident. These damages can include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, damage to property, and loss of quality of life. They may also include emotional distress, which can be difficult to quantify in terms of a dollar amount since it is based on personal feeling and opinion. Monetary damages, on the other hand, have an exact dollar amount attached to them. This amount is generally determined by a judge or jury and is usually designed to punish the at-fault party (the person or entity responsible for the accident). These damages are designed to deter the at-fault party and others from committing similar acts in the future. Monetary damages may include punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and fines. In conclusion, compensatory damages are intended to put the injured party back in the same position they were in prior to the accident, and monetary damages are designed to punish the at-fault party with a specific dollar amount.

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