What is an example of special damages in a lawsuit?

Special damages refer to specific, quantifiable monetary losses that a plaintiff can claim in a lawsuit. These damages are often clearly documented and can be calculated with precision.

Medical expenses fall under this category as they represent direct costs incurred due to injuries or damages caused by the defendant's actions. This can include hospital bills, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any other expenses directly related to medical treatment. Since these costs can be substantiated with receipts and invoices, they are considered special damages.

In contrast, future lost wages represent potential earnings, which, while significant, rely on projections and may involve uncertainties concerning job stability or career trajectory. Pain and suffering and emotional distress are considered general damages, as they are subjective and harder to quantify in monetary terms. Therefore, medical expenses are the best example of special damages due to their clear, calculable nature.