Which of the following best describes general damages?

General damages refer to those types of losses that are not easily quantifiable and can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are awarded to compensate a plaintiff for harm that doesn't have a straightforward monetary value, making them more subjective in nature.

Choosing the option that describes general damages involves recognizing that these types of harm do not have a direct, calculable financial equivalent like medical bills, lost wages, or property repair costs, which would typically fall under special or specific damages. By their very definition, general damages encompass non-specific losses that are harder to quantify and require consideration of the overall impact of the injury on the person's life, rather than a straightforward financial calculation. This understanding plays a crucial role in tort law, particularly when determining compensation for plaintiffs who have suffered injuries or losses that are difficult to assign a dollar amount.