What is meant by 'prejudgment interest'?

Prejudgment interest refers to the interest that accumulates on a monetary award from the time the claimant suffers a loss until the judgment is rendered by the court. This concept is intended to compensate the injured party for the loss of use of money they might have received earlier due to the wrongful act of another party. By awarding prejudgment interest, courts aim to make the injured party whole by recognizing that they have been deprived of their funds for a period, thereby acknowledging the time value of money.

In the context of civil litigation, when determining the appropriate compensation for damages, the inclusion of prejudgment interest is an important factor. It serves to encourage prompt settlements and reflects the principle that a party should not be disadvantaged by a delay in obtaining their rightful compensation. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of what prejudgment interest is intended to achieve in legal proceedings.