Dornfeld v. Oberg

OPINION

KEITH, Chief Justice.

This case raises the issue of whether a cause of action exists for intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress where a person claims to have suffered severe emotional distress as a result of being present at the death of a family member.

Respondent Barbara Dornfeld brought suit against appellants Scott Oberg and American Family Insurance Company, claiming both negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of a motor vehicle accident in which her husband was killed. Following a jury trial, the jury awarded respondent damages for…