Which type of damages compensates plaintiffs for monetary loss or suffering?

Compensatory damages are specifically designed to reimburse plaintiffs for actual losses incurred as a result of someone else's actions or negligence. These damages cover a wide range of monetary losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, they can include compensation for pain and suffering, which involves the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the incident. The key aspect of compensatory damages is that they aim to restore the injured party to a position as close as possible to what they would have experienced had the harmful event not occurred.

In contrast to compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future rather than to compensate the victim directly. Emotional damages can refer to compensation for psychological suffering but are often encompassed within the broader category of compensatory damages. Statutory damages typically refer to damages specified by law for certain types of violations and are not directly related to personal losses or suffering incurred by the plaintiff. Therefore, compensatory damages are the most accurate answer in this context as they directly address the financial impact experienced by the plaintiff.