Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | January 17, 2026 | Personal Injury
After an accident or injury, compensation in Ohio is usually divided into two main categories: special damages and general damages. These terms sound technical, but the difference is simple. One covers clear financial losses, while the other covers the personal impact of an injury that is more difficult to quantify. Keep reading to learn more about special and general damages.
What Are Special Damages?
Special damages refer to losses that have a clear dollar value. These damages are tied to bills, receipts, and measurable financial harm caused by an injury. Special damages are sometimes referred to as economic damages because they are based on actual expenses.
Common examples of special damages include:
- Medical bills from doctors, hospitals, and specialists
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Medical equipment such as braces or mobility aids
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning ability if you cannot return to the same job
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement
Because special damages are typically tied to documents such as receipts or invoices, they are usually easier to prove.
Why Documentation Matters for Special Damages
Special damages must be supported by evidence. Insurance companies and courts rely on records to confirm these losses.
Helpful documentation includes:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Pay stubs or employer statements showing lost income
- Repair estimates or receipts
- Invoices for out-of-pocket expenses
Without records, even valid financial losses may be disputed or reduced.
What Are General Damages?
General damages cover the human impact of an injury. These damages do not come with receipts, but they reflect how an injury affects daily life.
General damages are often referred to as non-economic damages.
Examples of general damages include:
- Physical pain from injuries
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Loss of normal activities or hobbies
- Impact on relationships with family
These damages recognize that injuries cause more than financial harm.
How General Damages Are Calculated
Unlike special damages, general damages do not have a fixed price.
Their value depends on factors such as:
- Severity of the injury
- Length of recovery
- Whether the injury is permanent
- Impact on daily activities
- Level of pain and discomfort
Insurance companies often use formulas or multipliers based on medical costs; however, these methods do not always accurately reflect the full impact of an injury.
Key Differences Between Special and General Damages
The primary distinction between special damages and general damages lies in their measurement.
Special damages:
- Are based on actual financial losses
- Can be proven with documents
- Have a specific dollar amount
General damages:
- Address personal and emotional harm
- Are subjective and harder to quantify
- Depend on the facts of each case
Both types of damages are important and work together to show the full effect of an injury.
Can a Case Include Both Types of Damages?
Yes. Most personal injury claims include both special damages and general damages. Medical bills and lost wages may qualify as special damages. Pain, suffering, and emotional distress may qualify as general damages. A claim that only includes financial losses may not fully reflect the extent of the injured person’s experience.
Are There Limits on Damages in Ohio?
Ohio places limits on some types of damages, but not all. Economic damages are generally not capped, while non-economic damages are capped in most cases. Ohio law limits these damages to the greater of $250,000 or three times the economic damages. They also have maximum limits of $350,000 per person and $500,000 per accident.
These limits may not apply when the injury results in a permanent physical deformity, loss of a limb, loss of an organ system, or a permanent injury that prevents the individual from performing normal daily activities. In such cases, non-economic damages are typically not capped under Ohio law.
Why Understanding Damages Matters
Knowing the difference between special damages and general damages helps injury victims:
- Understand what compensation may be available
- Avoid undervaluing a claim
- Recognize why detailed records and testimony matter
Insurance companies often focus on minimizing general damages because they are less concrete. Being informed helps protect against unfair evaluations.
Contact Our Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyers at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Together, special and general provide a fuller picture of how an accident affects a person’s life. Understanding this distinction can help injured individuals make informed decisions throughout the claims process. If you need legal help after an accident or injury, call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sandusky personal injury lawyers.
For more information, contact the Sandusky Personal Injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884