If you get hurt in a drunk driving accident and proceed to file a claim, proving the damages should be fairly straightforward. As long as you saw a doctor shortly after the incident, all the details regarding your injuries should be in the medical records. What if someone hurts you emotionally, though? Could you sue the liable party for damages if you are under considerable stress as a result? If so, how would you go about proving the case? Below, a personal injury attorney from Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law in Phoenix, AZ, explains what goes into a lawsuit following the intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Essential Elements

Intentional infliction of emotional distress refers to psychological or verbal abuse that is so severe or frequent it results in trauma. To recover compensation for any resulting damages, the victim’s personal injury attorney must be able to prove the liable party’s conduct was so egregious or reckless it caused significant stress. Even if the defendant was not intentionally trying traumatize the victim, they could still be responsible for the damages if it should have been obvious how the behavior was extreme or outrageous.

Potential Damages

With the help of a personal injury attorney, victims of intentional infliction of emotional distress can recover compensation for both psychological and physical injuries that arise as the result of the interaction. Since stress can manifest various physiological symptoms throughout the body, a claim is likely to include compensation for more than just psychological trauma. For example, it can result in muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, and chest pain. In certain scenarios, it may even cause miscarriages.  

If you suffered the intentional infliction of emotional distress, turn to a compassionate personal injury attorney at Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law. Based in Phoenix, the legal team at this firm has more than 200 years of combined experience helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Visit their website to see what past clients have to say about the quality counsel they provide, or call (602) 230-2144 to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer today.