Actual Damages
/ˈækʧuəl ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/
Definitions
- (n.) Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for quantifiable, proven losses directly resulting from the defendant's wrongful act.
The court awarded actual damages to cover the plaintiff's medical bills and lost wages.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Actual damages differ from nominal or punitive damages in that they require concrete proof of loss; when drafting, clearly specify the loss to substantiate the claim.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.