Search
Close this search box.

Table of Contents

Compensatory Damages



Definition

Compensatory damages refer to the money awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for damages, injury, or another incurred loss. They are intended to restore the plaintiff to the financial state they were in before the incident. These damages can cover both tangible costs such as medical bills and intangible costs like pain and suffering.

Phonetic

The phonetic spelling of “Compensatory Damages” is: kɒmpɛnsətɔːriː dæmɪdʒəz

Key Takeaways

<ol> <li>Compensatory Damages aim to put the injured party in the position they would have been in if the injury or loss had not taken place. It is designed to cover actual harm in terms of money, property, injury, lost wages, medical expenses and more.</li> <li>The party claiming compensatory damages should prove that the damages claimed indeed resulted from the defendant’s wrongful conduct. This shows that these damages do not apply in all circumstances, rather specific incidents of proven negligence or breach of contract.</li> <li>There are two types of compensatory damages: Special and General. Special compensatory damages cover actual monetary losses, whereas General compensatory damages offer compensation for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.</li></ol>

Importance

Compensatory damages are crucial in business and finance as they provide a method for quantifying and repaying harm done to an aggrieved party. It’s a term stemming from legal proceedings, where the aim is to put the plaintiff back into the position they would have been had they not suffered the harm. In the business world, these damages could result from a variety of reasons like breach of contract or wrongful termination. The concept encourages fair and ethical business practices, offering a deterrent against actions that might harm others financially. Furthermore, understanding potential compensatory damages helps businesses assess risks, make more informed decisions, and manage potential costs of litigation wisely consequently promoting a stable and trustworthy business environment for all parties involved.

Explanation

The purpose of compensatory damages in the financial and business realm is to reimburse the aggrieved party for their actual and direct losses, and return them to the financial position they were in before the wrong occurred. These damages serve the principle of restitution, intending to restore the victim’s financial status to its pre-injury state, rather than punishing the one who caused the damage. Primarily, their purpose is to make the plaintiff “whole” again, at least from a monetary perspective, after suffering from another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional harmful actions.Compensatory damages are extensively used in various facets of the business world. For instance, in a breach of contract, the damaged party may claim compensatory damages that correspond to the financial setback they underwent due to the breach. In cases involving non-performance or subpar performance, the court could award the amount that would rectify the impact of the non-adherence. Furthermore, compensatory damages also play a crucial role in tort claims, such as personal injury lawsuits, where they cover monetary components like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. In essence, they uphold the principle of accountability and fairness in business transactions and dealings.

Examples

1. Car Accident: Suppose you were involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, and as a result, you sustained physical injuries, damages to your vehicle, and lost wages during your recovery period. In a lawsuit, you could be awarded compensatory damages to cover your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost earnings. 2. Breach of Contract: Imagine you’ve signed a contract with a supplier for your manufacturing business and they failed to deliver the materials on time. This failure causes your production to halt, resulting in lost sales. The court could require the supplier to pay compensatory damages to cover the profits you lost from the undelivered goods.3. Defamation: If a business competitor spreads false information about your company and its products which results in significant loss of customers and decreased sales, you could sue the competitor for defamation. If you win, you could receive compensatory damages equivalent to the economic harm you suffered because of the false statements, as well as psychological distress.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What are compensatory damages in business?

Compensatory damages are monetary awards given in a legal proceeding to a plaintiff who has suffered a financial loss or injury due to the negligence or unlawful conduct of another party.

When are compensatory damages awarded?

Compensatory damages are typically awarded when a court determines that one party’s negligence or unlawful behavior directly caused a financial loss or injury to another party.

How are compensatory damages calculated?

Compensatory damages are often calculated based on the actual loss suffered by the plaintiff. This could be medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, or other provable losses directly resulting from the defendant’s wrongful action.

What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages?

While both are types of damages awarded in legal proceedings, compensatory damages are intended to compensate for actual loss or injury, while punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Can compensatory damages be covered by insurance?

Yes, in many cases, businesses have liability insurance policies that can cover compensatory damages awarded in a lawsuit. However, specifics vary significantly by policy and by jurisdiction.

Are compensatory damages taxable?

It depends on the nature of the damage. Generally, compensatory damages for physical injuries are not taxable. However, compensatory damages for lost income could be taxable as they replace taxable income. It’s always best to consult with a tax expert in these cases.

Are compensatory damages negotiable?

Yes. During a settlement negotiation, the amount of compensatory damages can be negotiated between the plaintiff and the defendant, usually with their respective legal representatives present.

Can compensatory damages be appealed?

Yes, if the defendant feels that the damages awarded were excessive or unjust, they can appeal the decision to a higher court. Similarly, the plaintiff can appeal if they believe the damages awarded were insufficient.

Related Finance Terms

  • Tort Law
  • Punitive Damages
  • Personal Injury
  • Economic Damages
  • Non-Economic Damages

Sources for More Information


About Our Editorial Process

At Due, we are dedicated to providing simple money and retirement advice that can make a big impact in your life. Our team closely follows market shifts and deeply understands how to build REAL wealth. All of our articles undergo thorough editing and review by financial experts, ensuring you get reliable and credible money advice.

We partner with leading publications, such as Nasdaq, The Globe and Mail, Entrepreneur, and more, to provide insights on retirement, current markets, and more.

We also host a financial glossary of over 7000 money/investing terms to help you learn more about how to take control of your finances.

View our editorial process

About Our Journalists

Our journalists are not just trusted, certified financial advisers. They are experienced and leading influencers in the financial realm, trusted by millions to provide advice about money. We handpick the best of the best, so you get advice from real experts. Our goal is to educate and inform, NOT to be a ‘stock-picker’ or ‘market-caller.’ 

Why listen to what we have to say?

While Due does not know how to predict the market in the short-term, our team of experts DOES know how you can make smart financial decisions to plan for retirement in the long-term.

View our expert review board

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More