For a plaintiff to succeed in a case of intentional infliction of emotional distress, what must be proven?

In a case of intentional infliction of emotional distress, it is critical to establish that the defendant acted in an extreme and outrageous manner. This standard is crucial because it sets a high bar for what constitutes unacceptable behavior. The conduct must go beyond mere insults or minor annoyances; it must be so severe that it shocks the conscience of an average person.

For example, behavior that involves threats of violence, public humiliation, or repeated harassment could qualify as extreme and outrageous. Demonstrating this level of conduct allows the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s actions were not just careless or reckless, but rather intentionally aimed at causing distress in a particularly egregious way.

Other elements, such as the intent of the defendant, do play a role in evaluating the case, but the pivotal factor is the extremity and outrageousness of the conduct itself. Merely having a prior relationship or acting reasonably would not satisfy the legal standard for emotional distress, as the law seeks to protect individuals from severe emotional harm resulting from particularly wrongful conduct. Thus, establishing that the defendant's actions were extreme and outrageous is vital for the plaintiff's success in this claim.