Which type of damages compensates for intangible losses such as pain and suffering?

General damages refer to compensation for intangible losses that are not directly quantifiable or tied to a specific monetary value. These damages typically include aspects such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and any other non-economic costs resulting from an injury or harm.

In the context of personal injury claims, general damages are crucial because they acknowledge the profound impact that an incident can have on an individual's quality of life beyond just medical bills or lost wages. The legal system recognizes that these intangible aspects of a person's experience deserve recognition and compensation.

In contrast, special damages specifically cover calculable economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost income, while expected damages and collateral damages do not have the standard definitions or applicability related to pain and suffering in legal contexts. Thus, general damages is the correct classification for intangible losses like pain and suffering.