UK: 1. Tort. Compensation for loss. General damages are unliquidated, i.e. not pre-determined. The court assesses them under headings such as loss of amenity, pain and suffering and loss of future earnings. Special damages can be assessed with some accuracy, e.g. medical expenses, loss of earnings, damage to property. 2. Contracts. Damages compensate for losses flowing from the breach of contract but they may be liquidated, i.e. stated in the contract. 3. The measure of damage relates, as far as money can, to actual losses, but nominal damages apply when a successful claimant has suffered no pecuniary loss. Punitive damages aim to punish the defendant but they are of restricted application in the UK. See STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS; PROVISIONAL DAMAGES.
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UK: financial compensation for loss suffered.
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Monetary compensation or indemnity, which may be recovered in the courts, by any entity who has suffered loss through the unlawful act or omission or negligence of another. A party claiming injury by a negligent act must establish that actual damages of a type recognized by law and measured as money damage did occur.