# Compensatory Damages

> Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff to cover actual losses caused by the defendant's conduct, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

**Category:** Damages
**Canonical URL:** https://drugsmonitor.com/glossary/compensatory-damages
**Last updated:** 2026-06-11

Compensatory damages in pharmaceutical cases typically include past and future medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) are generally calculable based on bills and pay records. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress) are more subjective and vary widely by jurisdiction and case facts.

Some states cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The cap amounts and applicable exemptions vary significantly, and an attorney can explain how damage caps in your state may affect your potential recovery.

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*Glossary entry from DrugsMonitor.com.*