Opinion ID: 782823
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress/Negligence.

Text: 90 Under Oklahoma law, the negligent act of causing emotional distress is not an independent tort but rather arises under the more general tort of negligence. Lockhart v. Loosen, 943 P.2d 1074, 1081 (Okla.1997). Oklahoma does not allow recovery for negligently inflicted mental distress alone. Richardson v. J.C. Penney Co., Inc., 649 P.2d 565, 566 (Okla.Ct.App. 1982). In order to recover on such a claim, the alleged mental distress must be connected to some manifestation of physical suffering to the plaintiff.... McMeakin v. Roofing & Sheet Metal Supply Co. of Tulsa, 807 P.2d 288, 290 (Okla.Ct.App. 1990). As evidence of physical injury in this case, the plaintiffs noted the lance inflicted upon the children to draw the blood and the removal of the children's clothing. No other ongoing trauma is alleged or argued. The district court found that imposing liability on such alleged trauma would subject medical personnel to excessive liability under the tort of negligent infliction of emotional distress/negligence. We have found no case suggesting that such injuries are sufficient to support a negligent infliction of emotional distress claim, and we therefore agree with the district court, and affirm its decision.