What type of damages can a plaintiff recover in a negligence action?

In a negligence action, the primary type of damages a plaintiff can recover is compensatory damages. These damages are intended to make the injured party whole by compensating them for the actual harm suffered as a result of the defendant's negligent conduct. This includes both economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Compensatory damages are grounded in the principle that the injured party should be restored to their pre-injury condition as closely as possible. This approach addresses the tangible and intangible consequences of the injury, ensuring that victims receive financial restitution for their losses.

Other options mentioned, such as future damages or punitive damages, do not adequately represent the general framework of damages recoverable in typical negligence cases. Future damages could be a component of compensatory damages but aren’t a standalone recovery type. Punitive damages are awarded in cases of egregious conduct to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior but are not guaranteed in negligence actions. Injunctive damages, typically used in equitable remedies, do not apply in the context of compensatory recoveries for negligence claims.