Understanding Emotional Distress Claims in Washington State

In the legal landscape of Washington State, residents find themselves questioning the viability of suing for emotional distress absent physical harm. The notion appears complex and daunting, yet it’s grounded in the principle that one’s mental wellbeing is as crucial as physical health. This blog sheds light on the circumstances under which individuals can seek justice for emotional distress in Washington State, underlining the critical nature of evidence and situating the discussion within the context of a compelling real-world example.

The Rarity of Emotional Distress Claims

Suing for emotional distress without accompanying physical injury is a path less traveled in Washington State’s legal system. These cases are exceptional, primarily because the law typically requires emotional distress to be anchored by a physical consequence. For instance, a car accident might result in both physical injuries and mental health repercussions like anxiety or depression, thereby legitimizing a claim for emotional distress.

Defining Emotional Distress

Emotional distress falls under the category of noneconomic damages, often referred to as pain and suffering. This type of harm encompasses a range of psychological impacts, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and grief. The cause of emotional distress can either be intentional actions or negligence on the part of another.

The Two Types of Emotional Distress Claims

1. Negligent Infliction: This occurs when a defendant’s unintentional actions cause emotional distress to another person. For example, witnessing a fatal accident at a workplace due to insufficient maintenance may lead to a claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress.
2. Intentional Infliction: In stark contrast, intentional infliction of emotional distress arises from deliberate or reckless behaviors that severely impact an individual’s mental well-being. Washington’s legal framework, particularly the Washington Pattern Jury Instructions (WPI) 14.03, highlights that such extreme conduct leading to severe emotional distress obligates the perpetrator to compensate for any resulting bodily harm.

A Modern Example: Emotional Distress in the Workplace

A case that epitomizes a claim of emotional distress without physical injury involves a former Panda Express employee, Jennifer Spargifiore. She was coerced into disrobing to her underwear during a supposed “trust-building” exercise led by Alive Seminars and Coaching Academy – a scenario devoid of physical violence but teeming with psychological implications. Spargifiore’s lawsuit claimed sexual battery, a hostile work environment, and, notably, infliction of emotional distress, spotlighting the profound impact of psychological abuse in the absence of physical contact.

Claims for emotional distress, particularly those unaccompanied by physical injury, present a unique and rare challenge within Washington State’s legal context. Generally, we only take emotional distress cases that have an injury associated with it. If you have questions about emotional distress damages in your case, give us a call for your free consultation 206-447-1425.