What are "special damages" in a personal injury case?

In a personal injury case, "special damages" refer to quantifiable losses that a victim can calculate and prove with specific evidence. This category typically includes medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing medical treatment. Additionally, lost wages—both past and future—fall under special damages since they can be calculated based on the victim's employment records and salary.

The importance of special damages lies in their tangible nature; they can be supported by receipts, bills, and documentation. This makes it easier for a plaintiff to provide evidence to substantiate their claims. Unlike general damages, which encompass non-economic losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, special damages have a specific monetary value that can be assessed clearly through documentation and financial records. Thus, this distinction highlights why the correct option accurately represents what special damages entail in personal injury cases.