Opinion ID: 1859780
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Consistency with Law Governing Expert Testimony

Text: Our decision is also consistent with the law governing the required use of expert testimony. The mere availability of expert proof does not give rise to a corresponding obligation that it be used. Rather, expert testimony is necessary only when the subject of examination requires knowledge or experience that persons lacking special skills do not have and that cannot be obtained from ordinary witnesses. See Lawrence County Bank v. Riddle, 621 S.W.2d 735, 737 (Tenn.1981). If the finder of fact can comprehend the subject of expertise without expert testimony, then an expert witness is not necessary. See id. The Restatement (Second) of Torts, the framework for intentional infliction of emotional distress in Tennessee, couches the tort in terms indicating that expert testimony should not be required. Pursuant to the Restatement, the tort typically exists when the recitation of the facts [of a commission of the tort] to an average member of the community would arouse his resentment against the actor, and lead him to exclaim `Outrageous!' Restatement (Second) of Torts § 46 cmt. d (1965). The kinds of emotional distress that may be remedied include fright, horror, grief, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, anger, chagrin, disappointment, worry, and nausea. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 46 cmt. j (1965). Such emotional responses are not so esoteric that they occupy a dimension beyond the cognitive grasp of the average layperson and are therefore accessible only to the expert. See, e.g., Chandler, 741 P.2d at 867 (In most cases, jurors from their own experience are aware of the extent and character of the disagreeable emotions that may result from a defendant's outrageous conduct.). Accordingly, we conclude that the trier of fact can normally ascertain the existence of a serious mental injury caused by the intentional infliction of emotional distress, thus obviating the necessity of expert proof.