Which of the following best describes special damages?

Special damages refer specifically to the monetary expenses that a plaintiff incurs as a direct result of an injury and can be documented with receipts or bills. These damages are quantifiable and typically include costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses that have a clear monetary value.

In contrast, the other options relate to different types of damages that do not fit the definition of special damages. Payments for emotional distress and compensation for pain and suffering fall under general damages, which are more subjective and not directly tied to specific financial losses. General expenses not needing documentation further highlight an aspect that distinguishes them from special damages, as special damages specifically require documentation to validate the claims for compensation.