Opinion ID: 1863276
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Callens's Claim Alleging the Tort of Outrage

Text: Callens, in her individual capacity, argues that the trial court erred in entering the summary judgment for the defendants on her claim alleging intentional infliction of emotional distressthe tort of outrage. In order to prevail on this claim, Callens must prove (1) that the defendants either intended to inflict emotional distress, or knew or should have known that emotional distress was likely to result from their conduct; (2) that the defendants' conduct was extreme and outrageous; and (3) that the defendants' conduct caused emotional distress so severe that no reasonable person could be expected to endure it. American Road Serv. Co. v. Inmon, 394 So.2d 361 (Ala.1980); Jackson v. Alabama Power Co., 630 So.2d 439 (Ala.1993). This Court has recognized the tort of outrage in three areas: (1) wrongful conduct within the context of family burials; (2) an insurance agent's coercing an insured into settling an insurance claim; and (3) egregious sexual harassment. See Thomas v. BSE Indus. Contractors, Inc., 624 So.2d 1041 (Ala.1993). This Court has limited the outrage cause of action to egregious circumstances. Although we in no way condone the defendants' alleged conduct, we conclude, after reviewing the evidence in a light most favorable to Callens, that their alleged behavior was not so extreme as to reach the level necessary to constitute the tort of outrage. We affirm the summary judgment as it relates to Callens's tort-of-outrage claim.