Which term describes non-economic losses such as pain and suffering?

The term that describes non-economic losses such as pain and suffering is known as general damages. General damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for subjective, non-monetary aspects of the injury they have suffered, which can include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and ongoing pain and suffering. These types of damages do not have a specific monetary value attached to them and are typically more challenging to quantify compared to economic losses.

Compensatory damages is a broader category that includes both general and special damages, which are specifically tied to quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. Special damages relate to out-of-pocket expenses and lost earnings, which can be calculated more readily. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious conduct and are not related to the actual losses suffered by the plaintiff. Thus, general damages specifically address those non-economic losses like pain and suffering, making it the appropriate term in this context.