What do compensatory damages primarily aim to address?

Compensatory damages are designed to provide compensation to a plaintiff for the actual losses and suffering they have experienced due to the actions of a defendant. This type of damage is meant to restore the plaintiff to the financial position they would have been in had the wrongful act not occurred. Compensatory damages typically cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic suffering, like pain and suffering.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of compensatory damages. Emotional distress may be a component of damages awarded, but it is just one aspect of the broader category of expenses and suffering covered by compensatory damages. Punitive damages, on the other hand, serve to punish the defendant and deter future wrongful acts rather than compensate the plaintiff directly. Legal fees are a separate issue and may not necessarily be included as compensatory damages unless specific legal conditions apply. Therefore, the focus of compensatory damages is squarely on addressing the financial losses and suffering incurred by the plaintiff.