Which type of damages addresses emotional distress and loss of enjoyment?

The correct answer is general damages. This type of damages is intended to compensate an individual for non-monetary losses that are often subjective and difficult to quantify, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. General damages acknowledge the pain and suffering someone has experienced as a result of their situation.

In legal contexts, emotional distress refers to the psychological impact a person may endure due to another's wrongful actions, while loss of enjoyment relates to the diminished quality of life caused by these actions. These experiences do not have a direct financial value, making general damages essential for addressing such intangible injuries.

In contrast, special damages refer to quantifiable monetary losses, such as medical expenses or lost wages, that can be specifically calculated and documented. Nominal damages are awarded when a legal wrong has occurred, but there is no substantial loss, resulting in a token amount rather than compensation for emotional suffering. Punitive damages are imposed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct and are not directly linked to the victim's emotional state or enjoyment of life. Thus, general damages are the appropriate category for compensating emotional distress and loss of enjoyment.