A nursing home settlement often includes economic damages, general damages, and sometimes punitive damages. ECONOMIC DAMAGES Economic or damages cover out-of-pocket treatment and recovery costs. Medical expenses Surgical Costs Rehabilitation Physician expenses Physical and psychological therapy Prosthetics and mobility equipment Relocation costs Funeral and burial expenses GENERAL DAMAGES General damages pay for psychological and emotional trauma related to abuse or neglect. Pain and suffering Emotional distress Loss of spousal relationship Diminished family relationships Lost bodily functions Scars and disfigurement Wrongful death PUNITIVE DAMAGES Juries sometimes award punitive damages under SC §15-32-510. Punitive damages punish a responsible nursing home for damages due to willful, wanton, or reckless conduct.