Definitions for "General Damages"
Damages awarded to an injured person for intangible loss which cannot be measured directly by dollars. Frequently called pain and suffering. General damages are distinguished from special damages which are awarded for actual economic loss, such as medical costs, loss of income, etc.
In auto insurance, typically refers to awards for pain and suffering.
The monetary winnings from a lawsuit because an individual has suffered injuries suffered at the result of another party, or because a contract has been breached and the dollar value for that breach is incalculable.