Which term describes damages related to pain and suffering or emotional trauma?

The term that describes damages related to pain and suffering or emotional trauma is general damages. General damages are intended to compensate an individual for non-economic losses that are subjective and difficult to quantify, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are not tied to a specific monetary loss but rather reflect the overall impact that an injury has on a person's quality of life.

In contrast, special damages refer to quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, which can be itemized and calculated. Consequential damages arise from secondary effects of an injury, while nominal damages are awarded when a legal wrong has occurred, but no substantial loss has been suffered. Thus, general damages are specifically recognized for their role in compensating for non-tangible aspects of harm.