5.2 Measures of Types of Damages is a system used to assess the types and extent of damage caused by a specific incident. This system is used to determine the amount of compensation that should be paid to those affected by the incident. There are three main types of damages that can be measured: compensatory damages, nominal damages, and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are awarded to compensate an injured party for their actual losses due to the incident. These losses can include medical costs, lost wages, and property repair costs. Nominal damages are awarded to express the court's disapproval of the defendant's misconduct. These damages are usually small amounts of money that are intended to symbolize the court's recognition of the injured party's suffering. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to set an example to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. These damages are usually much higher than compensatory or nominal damages and can be used to prevent the defendant from engaging in the same behavior again.