Torts II

General Damages

General damages are compensatory damages awarded over non-economic harms, such as:

• Pain & suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of function or appearance
• Loss of enjoyment of life

With general damages, it is not necessary to reduce to present value.

Sometimes general damages are calculated using the "per diem" method, which says to multiply what such harm for a short period of time should be compensated for by the length of time that the plaintiff must endure the harm, i.e. their life expectancy.