Special Damages

Special damages are much simpler to understand than general damages because they refer to financial compensation for quantifiable losses suffered as a result of a defendant’s actions or inaction. In other words, they are out-of-pocket expenses that can be determined by adding up all the plaintiff’s quantifiable financial losses. However, these losses or expenses must be proven with specificity in court. Which is why, plaintiffs are reminded to keep all receipts and paperwork in order to prove the amount of damage they have incurred as a result of the accident. Once the special damages are identified they can be computed to an exact dollar amount with precision.

Special damages can include housekeeping expenses, snow removal, lawn care, the costs of repairing and/or replacing any damaged property, loss income and treatment expenses.