What are special damages for breach of contract?

Asked by: Murl Mosciski  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
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In contract law , special damages (also called consequential damages) refer to irregular damages such as physical injuries during a breach of contract , but general damages would refer to the damages expected from the contract being breached.

What are the 4 types of damages available for breach of contract?

Four Types of Damages Available in a Breach of Contract
  • Compensatory damages. Compensatory damages aim to restore the party who did NOT breach the contract back to the position they would have been in if the other party had held up their end of the deal as promised.
  • Punitive damages. ...
  • Nominal damages. ...
  • Liquidated damages.

What's included in special damages?

Special damages examples may include:

The cost of making modifications to your home or car to meet your needs. Travel or accommodation costs for you and your family, while they cared for you. Repair or replacement costs - such as repairs to a car or bike after a road traffic accident.

Which of the following is an example of special damages?

Types of Special Damages

The following losses are typically included in special damages awarded in a personal injury claim: Lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Medical expenses, both past and future. Loss of irreplaceable items.

What is without proof of special damages?

Without proof of special damage means, that the Plaintiff need not prove that she has suffered any resulting damages, as any damage is presumed because of the nature of the defamation.

What Are Damages for Breach of Contract? - CountyOffice.org

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What is an example of special damages in a contract?

Special Damages Examples

Suppose someone runs a red light in front of you and causes a car accident. You are injured in the accident, and your new car is destroyed. An ambulance takes you to the nearest hospital, where you're treated for your injury in the emergency room.

What are the 3 types of damages UK?

In legal terms, damages can be classified into various categories, including compensatory, punitive, and nominal damages, each serving different purposes in addressing harm.

Do you have to plead special damages?

While special damages are the natural result of a wrong or injury, they are not deemed to be a necessary effect. ' 57 The difference between the two is well established. Historically, while a non-specific indication of general damages sufficed, special damages had to be specifically pleaded to avoid surprise.

What are general damages in breach of contract?

“General damages” are those damages that flow directly and necessarily from the breach complained of, or that are the natural result of a breach. The purpose is to put the plaintiff back in the position he/she would have been in had the performance been completed as promised in the contract.

What are vindictive damages?

They are also sometimes called “exemplary damages” or “vindictive damages” because they are meant to make an example of the defendant, deter others from engaging in the same conduct, and vindicate society's injury in the harm that was done.

What are the special damages a plaintiff might include?

Special damages can encompass a variety of economic losses. Some of the most common components include medical expenses, lost income and loss of earning capacity, property damage, transportation costs, home modification expenses, and household services.

What is pain, suffering, and loss of amenity?

Pain, suffering and loss of amenity is another term for general damages. This head of damage is intended to compensate the Claimant not only for the pain and suffering caused by the injury but also for the impact of the injury on the Claimant's enjoyment of life.

What qualifies as damages?

In civil cases , damages are the remedy that a party requests the court award in order to try to make the injured party whole. Typically damage awards are in the form of monetary compensation to the harmed party. Damages are imposed if the court finds that a party breached a duty under contract or violated some right.

How much compensation can you get for a breach of contract?

In a breach of contract case, damages typically cannot exceed four times the actual losses. However, the exact amount depends on the specifics of your case. Consult with a lawyer to determine the potential damages you may recover.

What do you need to prove for a breach of contract?

The relevant criteria are:
  1. There is a legally binding contract. ...
  2. The other party has failed to perform their duties under the contract. ...
  3. You have suffered loss as a result of the breach. ...
  4. The breach occurred within the last 6 years. ...
  5. Collating and preserving evidence. ...
  6. Reserving your rights. ...
  7. Taking legal advice.

What is the burden of proof for a breach of contract?

Burden of Proof

This means that the plaintiff must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that: A valid contract existed. The defendant failed to fulfill their contractual obligations.

What are special damages in breach of contract?

Special damages do not occur due to breach of terms and conditions on the part of the defendant but because of some special circumstances; the defendant could not fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract; if the circumstances were reasonable, the contract may have been fulfilled.

What is the difference between general and special damages?

Importantly, there are two types of personal injury compensation: General damages – which cover your actual injuries or medical condition, ongoing suffering, etc. Special damages – which cover the cost of actual financial losses.

How to calculate special damages?

When calculating special damages, your solicitor will need proof, such as receipts, for any costs or expenses you've incurred as a direct result of your injury. Therefore, special damages can cover a range of financial losses, with examples such as: Short-term medical expenses.

Do you need an expert to prove damages?

Depending on the situation you are dealing with, you might need expert witnesses to prove your case against a liable party. Their testimonies are especially vital in disputes where a professional's insights can help claims adjusters or jurors understand how the other side is at fault.

What is the difference between special and consequential damages?

Consequential damages, also called special damages ) are a form of remedy that can be claimed by the plaintiff against the defendant for the harm done as a consequence of the defendant's actions.

What are monetary damages for breach of contract?

Compensatory Damages

General damages compensate you for direct losses you suffered due to a breach. For example, if your supplier failed to deliver goods on time, you might have needed to purchase replacement goods. These goods may have been more expensive because you had to buy them at the last minute.

What do special damages include?

In tort law, special damages are damages like car dents or medical expenses that can actually be ascertained, and they are contrasted with general damages , which refer to damages for things like intentional infliction of emotional distress which do not have a set monetary cost.

How to calculate damages for breach of contract?

general expectation damages = the value of performance without the breach (what was promised) minus the value of performance with the breach (what was received)

Can you claim damages for breach of contract?

In order to sue successfully for damages arising out of a breach of contract, you must demonstrate that there was a contract in existence, that the other side failed to perform their part of the bargain satisfactorily and that you suffered a loss as a result.