Noneconomic Damages

Term: Noneconomic DamagesDefinition: Damages awarded for intangible losses such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, which are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms.Phonetic Pronunciation: (non-ee-KON-om-ik DAM-ij-ez)Origin: The term "noneconomic" stems from the economic concept of non-tangible or non-quantifiable goods. "Damages" derives from the Latin word "damnum," meaning loss or injury, reflecting the legal concept of compensation for harm suffered.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, noneconomic damages are crucial as they compensate victims for the severe pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by asbestos-related diseases. These damages are often a significant part of the compensation sought in lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and employers.Example Sentence: The jury awarded the plaintiff substantial noneconomic damages for the pain and suffering endured due to mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, Punitive Damages, Compensatory Damages, Loss of ConsortiumNotes: - Noneconomic damages are subjective and can vary widely between cases. - Some jurisdictions have caps on noneconomic damages, which can affect asbestos litigation outcomes. - These damages are distinct from economic damages, which cover tangible losses like medical expenses and lost wages.