What type of damages is awarded for loss that can be quantified in monetary terms in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, compensatory damages are specifically intended to compensate an injured party for losses that can be calculated in monetary terms. This category of damages encompasses actual losses incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and any other direct financial impacts resulting from an injury or wrong. The purpose of compensatory damages is to restore the injured party, as closely as possible, to the financial position they would have been in had the injury not occurred.

Compensatory damages are crucial in personal injury claims or contract disputes, as they acknowledge both tangible and quantifiable losses. This concept aligns with the broader civil law principle of making the aggrieved party whole again. Unlike punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct, compensatory damages focus solely on the plaintiff's financial loss.

Nominal damages, on the other hand, may be awarded in instances where a legal right has been violated but no actual monetary loss can be demonstrated. Emotional damages would pertain to compensation for psychological impact, which does not fit the criteria of quantifiable monetary loss. Therefore, the correct classification of damages for losses that can be quantified financially is compensatory damages.