Mississippi Property & Casualty Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of "special" damages under compensatory damages?

1. Pain and suffering

2. Feelings of distress

3. Medical expenses

4. Property appreciation

The correct answer is: Medical expenses

Special damages refer to the specific financial losses that can be calculated and documented, providing a tangible amount that can be compensated for an injury or loss. Medical expenses fit this definition perfectly as they represent quantifiable costs directly related to medical treatment due to an injury. These expenses typically include costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation services, medications, and other health-related services that one can clearly itemize and prove. In contrast, pain and suffering as well as feelings of distress are categorized as general damages. They represent more subjective experiences and do not have a fixed monetary value, making them harder to measure. Property appreciation is also not considered a special damage within this context, as it deals with the increase in value of an asset rather than a direct out-of-pocket expense due to an injury or loss. Thus, medical expenses are a clear example of special damages, as they are precise and can be fully documented for compensatory purposes.