A trial judge assessing damages for personal injury must identify the specific evidence relied upon, make explicit findings on contested matters, and explain the reasoning process by which the award was calculated, even where the assessment involves imponderables and discretionary judgment. A 'global approach' or intuitive award is not an acceptable alternative to adequate reasons and findings on matters in dispute. Where imponderables exist, the judge must at least identify them, explain why specific findings cannot be made, and indicate the role those imponderables played in the calculation.
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