3.10 Compensatory Damages are a type of legal remedy awarded to a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit. Compensatory damages are intended to make the plaintiff whole after suffering harm from the defendant’s wrongful conduct. These damages are designed to replace the financial losses, pain, suffering, and/or emotional distress experienced due to the defendant’s negligence. There are two types of compensatory damages: special and general damages. Special damages are awarded for specific economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. General damages are awarded for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Compensatory damages are based on the nature of the harm suffered and the circumstances of the case.