Opinion ID: 883677
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: introduction tort of emotional distress

Text: Sacco alleges two counts of the tort of emotional distress  negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The decision to recognize emotional distress as an independent tort has been in gradual evolution for courts nationwide, and Montana is no exception. In the past, we have recognized the tort of negligent infliction of emotional distress as an independent cause of action in only a limited context. We have also recognized the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress as an independent cause of action but under the traditional analysis of that tort, we have not encountered a case which would entitle a plaintiff to damages for the cause of action. After thoroughly reviewing our own case law and the authorities from other jurisdictions, we conclude that it is appropriate that we join a multitude of jurisdictions in recognizing both torts as independent causes of action with recovery for damages based upon satisfaction of the standard we set forth in the instant case. An independent cause of action for the tort of infliction of emotional distress will arise under circumstances where serious or severe emotional distress to the plaintiff was the reasonably foreseeable consequence of the defendant's negligent or intentional act or omission. We first review the development of Montana case law involving emotional distress issues and then address the formulation of the test upon which an independent cause of action for the tort of emotional distress must be based.