Which type of damages are specifically intended to compensate for tangible losses?

Special damages are specifically intended to compensate for tangible losses that can be quantified or assigned a specific monetary value. These types of damages encompass economic losses such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other measurable financial impacts that result directly from an accident or injury.

In personal injury cases, for example, if an individual is injured in a car accident, special damages would cover the exact costs of medical treatment, the value of damaged property, and any lost income due to time off work. The focus is on concrete financial compensation for losses that can be documented and proven through receipts, bills, or pay stubs.

By contrast, general damages are more subjective and refer to non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior and deter future misconduct rather than directly compensate the victim for their losses. Inherent damages is not a recognized term in this context, making it an inappropriate choice. Thus, special damages are the correct response when focusing on tangible, quantifiable losses.