What type of damages are awarded in cases where a specific amount is defined within a contract?

The types of damages awarded in cases where a specific amount is defined within a contract are referred to as liquidated damages. Liquidated damages are predetermined amounts that the parties agree upon at the time they enter into the contract. These amounts are designed to be a fair estimate of the potential harm caused by a breach of the contract, thus providing a clear mechanism for compensation without needing to prove actual losses.

In contrast, compensatory damages are intended to cover losses incurred due to a breach but do not involve a specific amount predetermined in the contract. Exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, are awarded over and above actual damages to punish wrongdoing. Nominal damages are small sums awarded when a legal wrong has occurred, but there was no substantial harm or financial loss. Therefore, liquidated damages specifically apply to the situation where the contract itself provides a clear financial figure for breaches, thereby making them the correct classification in this context.