What best defines general damages in a liability context?

General damages in a liability context primarily refer to non-economic losses suffered by a plaintiff due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. These damages are awarded to compensate for intangible losses, which cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms. One of the most common forms of general damages is pain and suffering, which encompasses both physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the injury.

In contrast, other damages such as loss of income, property damage expenses, and medical expenses fall under special damages, which are designed to reimburse the actual expenses and financial losses incurred as a result of an injury. Special damages can be calculated with precise figures, making them distinct from general damages that cover more subjective experiences and the impact on a person's quality of life.