Which of the following is a feature of compensatory damages?

Compensatory damages are designed primarily to restore the plaintiff to the position they were in before the injury occurred. This involves compensating for the actual loss suffered due to the defendant's actions, whether it be physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. The core principle here is that these damages aim to make the injured party "whole" again by covering expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and other relevant costs stemming from the incident.

The other options describe features that do not accurately reflect the nature of compensatory damages. For instance, punitive damages are intended solely for punishment rather than restoration, making that option incorrect. The necessity of proving specific losses is fundamental to compensatory damages, as they require clear evidence of the financial impact of the injury. Furthermore, compensatory damages cannot be awarded without establishing negligence or liability on the part of the defendant, which distinguishes them from punitive damages. Therefore, the correct understanding of compensatory damages focuses on their restorative purpose.