Rhode Island Insurance Adjuster Exam

Medical bills and prescriptions are considered what type of damages?

1. General damages

2. Special damages

3. Economic damages

4. Non-economic damages

The correct answer is: Special damages

Medical bills and prescriptions fall under the category of special damages because they are quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from an injury or loss. Special damages are specific, measurable costs that can be itemized, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In a claims context, these damages are calculated based on actual expenses incurred due to the incident. While economic damages also encompass tangible losses like medical bills, the term "special damages" is more precise in distinguishing these specific reimbursable costs. Other categories, such as general damages, relate to non-economic losses like pain and suffering, and non-economic damages cover aspects that do not have a direct monetary value or clear quantification.