Georgia Adjuster Practice Test

In liability claims, what are "special damages" typically associated with?

1. Pain and suffering

2. Legal fees

3. Medical expenses and lost wages

4. Property damage

The correct answer is: Medical expenses and lost wages

Special damages in liability claims refer specifically to the quantifiable financial losses that a claimant has incurred due to an incident. This includes medical expenses, which encompass hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and any other medical care required as a result of injuries sustained. Additionally, lost wages are considered a component of special damages, as they account for the income lost due to the inability to work following the incident. These damages are distinct from general damages, which relate to non-economic impacts like pain and suffering. By focusing on tangible, numerical losses, special damages allow injured parties to recover specific amounts for what they have directly lost, creating a clear link between the accident and the economic impact on the individual. In contrast, other categories like pain and suffering or general distress, while important in a claim, are not classified as special damages because they cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms.