Ontario Barrister Civil Practice Exam

General damages refer to monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for non-monetary losses that cannot be easily quantified. This includes elements such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective harms that arise from a wrongful act or injury. Unlike specific damages, which relate to tangible, quantifiable losses such as medical expenses or lost wages, general damages address the broader impact of a wrongful event on an individual's life.

The significance of general damages lies in their ability to provide relief for the personal suffering and psychological impact that a plaintiff may endure following an injury or loss. Courts often assess these damages based on the severity of the injury, the effects on the plaintiff's life, and similar cases to determine an appropriate award.

This concept is pivotal in tort law, as it acknowledges that not all harm can be quantified with receipts or invoices, thus ensuring that victims of wrongful actions receive comprehensive compensation for their experiences.