Dooley v. Richland Memorial Hospital

Gregory, Justice:

This is an action for negligent infliction of emotional distress. The jury returned a verdict in the amount of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars in favor of respondents Colie and Lorraine Dooley. Richland Memorial Hospital appeals. We reverse.

On August 2, 1979, respondents’ son, Doug, drove B. B. Smith and Tommy Metts to purchase a keg of beer. The three friends were in Doug’s car. After they purchased the beer, they made another stop. While Doug was away from the car, the two passengers drove off. When Doug discovered this, he simply hitched a ride to his trailer, failing to…