Can I sue for emotional distress after a school bus accident?

In Washington, it is possible to sue for emotional distress after a school bus accident. The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that it is possible to seek damages for emotional distress so long as the plaintiff can show that the defendant’s conduct was “extreme and outrageous.” It is also important to consider the nature of the emotional distress in question. If the person had a physical injury as a result of the accident, they may be able to claim damages for pain and suffering related to their physical injury. However, if the emotional distress resulted from the fear of physical injury or was of a psychological nature (such as post-traumatic stress disorder), then it may be possible to sue for emotional distress without a physical injury. Here, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous, and that they suffered significant emotional distress due to the defendant’s conduct. In general, suing for emotional distress is difficult to do and is often not successful. Many cases rely heavily on the testimony of expert witnesses to demonstrate the plaintiff’s emotional distress. Furthermore, most courts are reluctant to award damages for emotional distress, so it is important to make sure that the case is strongly presented. For these reasons, it is important to speak with an attorney before attempting to sue for emotional distress after a school bus accident. An attorney will be able to assess the merits of the case and advise as to what type of damages may be available to the plaintiff.

Can I sue for emotional distress after a school bus accident?

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