What defines special damages in the context of compensatory awards?

Special damages are defined as money awarded for specific, identifiable expenses that a plaintiff incurs as a result of an injury or loss. These expenses can include medical bills, lost wages, repair costs for damaged property, and other direct financial losses that can be quantified and documented. This type of compensation is distinct from general damages, which typically cover non-pecuniary losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.

In a legal context, special damages are often explicitly stated and can be calculated based on actual receipts or bills, giving a clear and objective basis for the compensation awarded. This specificity is what sets special damages apart from more subjective forms of compensation that account for intangible impacts of an injury. As such, the correct definition underscores the fundamental principle that special damages directly correspond to quantifiable financial losses, making it easier for both the court and the parties involved to evaluate and verify those claims.