Which of the following best defines the term "damages" in tort law?

The term "damages" in tort law refers specifically to the compensation awarded to a plaintiff for losses incurred due to the defendant's wrongful conduct. This encompasses various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses directly resulting from the tortious act. The goal of damages is to restore the plaintiff to the position they were in before the tort occurred, as much as possible, through monetary compensation.

In contrast, other options do not align with the legal definition of damages in tort law. While punitive actions and statutory fines may arise in the legal context, they typically serve different purposes—punitive actions aim to punish the defendant and deter future wrongful conduct rather than compensate the plaintiff for specific losses. Similarly, the potential for future economic loss could be a factor in calculating damages, but it does not itself define "damages."