What kind of damages are not classified as general damages?

The classification of damages in tort law is significant in determining the kind of compensation that a plaintiff may receive. General damages refer to non-economic losses that are often difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are typically subjective in nature.

In contrast, punitive damages serve a different purpose. They are awarded not as compensation for loss or suffering, but rather to punish a defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar future behavior. Punitive damages are not classified as general damages because they do not relate to the actual harm suffered by the plaintiff; instead, they focus on the defendant's wrongdoing.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify that while general damages aim to compensate for the actual adverse impacts of an injury, punitive damages are intended to address the defendant's behavior rather than the plaintiff's losses. This distinction is crucial in legal practice and in determining the nature of damages that may be sought in a civil suit.