compensatory damages

• to restore the party whose rights have been infringed as far as possible to the position they were in before the infringement, by compensating them for losses suffered
• specific damages can be given a precise monetary value and are easily quantifiable - medical expenses
• general damages are assessed by the court according to the size of the wrong done and the long-term consequences.

  • an estimate only, not easily quantifiable
  • e.g. future loss of wages
• aggravated damages are awarded to compensate the plaintiff further if the ourt ebelives they suffered humiliation and insult