Case Name: Wax v. Hertz Corp
Court: Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Decision Date: 1974-12-09
Citations: 69 Pa. D. & C.2d 254
Docket Number: no. 3608
Parties: Wax v. Hertz Corp
Judges: 
Reporter: Pennsylvania District and County Reports
Volume: 69
Pages: 254–255

Head Matter:
Wax v. Hertz Corp
I. Sidney Sherwin, for plaintiffs.
J. P. Dornberger, for defendant.
December 9, 1974

Opinion:
CIPRIANI, J.,
Defendant, Hertz Corporation, had reported one of its rental vehicles stolen. It was retrieved but defendant is accused of failing to take reasonable steps to notify the police. As a result, plaintiffs, who rented the vehicle from defendant were thereafter arrested.
Defendant in his preliminary objections argues that plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action in that there can be no recovery for negligently inflicting mental distress. While no such tort is recognized in Pennsylvania, plaintiffs' complaint is clearly one for false arrest. Defendant's contentions should more appropriately be asserted at time of trial, particularly with regard to issue of damages.
ORDER
And now, December 9, 1974, it is ordered that defendant's preliminary objections to plaintiffs' complaint are dismissed and defendant is hereby given 20 days to plead to the said complaint.