Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress - Explained
Civil Action for Harming Someone's Mental or Psychological Well Being
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 20th, 2024
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What is the Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?
The intentional infliction of mental distress upon another is a form of battery to the emotions.
What are the requirements for a legal action based on Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?
Like a battery, Infliction of Emotional Distress is caused by intentional conduct that carries a strong probability of causing mental distress to the person at whom it is directed. Generally, the conduct must be very extreme or outrageous in nature to result in emotional distress. To recover for this tort, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the intentional conduct actually caused her mental distress that manifests itself physically.
- Example: Intentionally exposing a person to extreme ridicule in front of a large crown may constitute such a tort.
Related Topics
- Tort Law (Intro)
- What are Torts?
- What are the types of torts?
- What are Intentional Torts?
- Unintentional Tort
- Assault and Battery?
- Intentional Infliction of Emotions Distress?
- Invasion of Privacy?
- False Imprisonment?
- Malicious Prosecution?
- Trespass?
- Conversion?
- Defamation?
- Defenses to Defamation?
- Absolute Privilege
- Defamation and 1st Amendment Considerations?
- Fraud?
- Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations?
- What is Negligence?
- Negligence A Duty of Care?
- Negligence Breach of Duty of Care?
- Causation?
- Cause-in-Fact
- What are common defenses to negligence actions?
- What is Strict Liability?
- Strict Liability Causes of Action Examples
- Strict Products Liability
- What defenses exist to strict product liability actions?
- Compensatory damages?
- Punitive damages?
- Treble Damages