13.70 DAMAGES: ACTUAL (42 U.S.C. CIV. 1983) refers to a type of damages award that is available in civil actions brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. This type of damages award is intended to compensate the injured party for any actual loss or harm that was suffered as a result of the wrongful conduct of the defendant. This includes compensatory damages for any economic losses, such as lost wages or medical expenses, as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. In addition, punitive damages may be available in certain cases, if the wrongful conduct of the defendant was found to be especially egregious.