DocketXDocketX / Glossary / intentional infliction of emotional distress
Intentional Infliction Of Emotional Distress
Intentional infliction of emotional distress is a legal claim that allows you to sue someone whose extreme and outrageous behavior deliberately caused you severe emotional harm.
What it actually is
This claim requires proof that the defendant acted intentionally or recklessly in a way that is so extreme and outrageous it exceeds all bounds of decency, and that this conduct directly caused you severe emotional distress. It appears in a lawsuit as a separate cause of action, often alongside other torts like assault or battery, when the emotional harm is the primary injury rather than a physical one.
Why it matters in your case
If you are in a case involving this claim, you must show that the defendant's behavior was not just rude or insensitive but truly shocking and intentional, because the law sets a high bar to prevent frivolous lawsuits over ordinary hurt feelings. Procedurally, this claim can survive motions to dismiss only if the alleged conduct is sufficiently extreme, so gathering evidence of the specific outrageous acts is critical to your case.
The common misunderstanding
The most common misunderstanding is that any insult or emotional upset qualifies, but the law requires conduct that is utterly intolerable in a civilized society—far beyond mere insults, threats, or everyday stress. Simply being angry or upset does not meet the legal standard.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.