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 District Court of Harris County in Houston handed down the ruling in May 2026, awarding Jacobs a total of $50,105,000, including $40,105,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in exemplary damages. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The suit asks for a jury trial and La Strada is seeking unspecified actual and compensatory damages as well as damages for emotional pain and suffering. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages and a jury trial. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

The singer’s complaint seeks a jury trial and compensatory damages of over $75,000. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

Legal Definition

compensatory damages

noun

: actual damages at damage 2