As with claims for loss of consortium, counsel should carefully
research applicable law to determine whether, for example, children may
have a valid cause of action where a parent sustains a spinal cord
injury, or conversely, whether the parent may maintain a cause of
action where the child sustains the injury.
Bystander theories of negligent infliction of emotional distress should
be pursued whenever the facts of a given case provides such a remedy.
In the ongoing quest to limit the scope of who may recover, courts in
some jurisdictions have imposed stringent guidelines as to who can
recover for negligent infliction of emotional distress. For example,
the Supreme Court of California has established a three-part test,
which must be satisfied in order a plaintiff state a cause of action
for "bystander" negligent infliction of emotional distress:
is present at the scene of the injury - producing event at the time
it occurs and is then aware that it is causing injury to the victim; and
As a result suffers emotional distress beyond that which would be anticipated in the disinterested witness.
In the absence of physical injury or impact to the plaintiff
himself, damages for emotional distress should be recoverable only if
the plaintiff:
[Thing v. La Chusa, (1989) 40 Cal.3d 644, 647,
257 Cal.Rptr. 865.]
Nonetheless, where a family member observed the injury-causing event
(where required), an action for negligent infliction of emotional
distress should be brought on behalf of the family member or bystander.
If you or someone you know has suffered
a spinal cord injury or serious injury to the spine,
you need the assistance of The Scarlett Law Group.
Call 800-262-7576
today to speak with a California Personal Injury Attorney.