general damages

Damages presumed to automatically follow liability for the complaint, and do not need to be specifically claimed. General damages are awarded for those losses that the law presumes are the natural and probable consequence for the wrong committed.

In this content, it is presumed that a person libelled will suffer loss to their reputation. General damages allow the innocent party to recover the loss suffered to their reputation without proof of the loss suffered.

The term general damages may also be used to indicate that the loss suffered in the circumstances cannot be calculated with precise estimation.

Usage: The claim for damages consisted solely of general damages.

Related Words: special damages; nominal damages; liquidated damages; mitigation of damage; remoteness of damage; assessment of damages; liquidated damages; penalties; breach of contract; quantum meruit; contributory negligence; contract; charging order.