compensatory damages

noun

: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.

The patient sued for compensatory damages.

Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages, back pay and lost benefits. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages — the largest verdict by far, at this point, in a case over whether preterm infant formulas cause NEC. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Jurors awarded her $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages, with Meta assigned 70% of the total. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

As part of the March verdict, the companies were ordered to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of the total amount. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Legal Definition

compensatory damages

noun

: actual damages at damage 2