What are damages in legal terms?

In legal terms, damages refer specifically to compensation awarded to a party as a result of injuries or losses suffered due to the wrongful acts of another, typically classified as a tort. This compensation is designed to restore the injured party, as much as possible, to the position they would have been in had the tort not occurred. Damages can cover various types of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pains and suffering, and other economic losses directly linked to the injury.

This definition aligns with the fundamental purpose of tort law, which aims to address wrongs and provide a remedy to those who have been harmed. Therefore, when referring to damages as compensation for injuries caused by a tort, it accurately encompasses the legal principle that underpins the award of damages in civil cases.