Texas
How Addis v. Grammer applies in Texas: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Torts.
Texas law adheres to the principle of emotional distress claims set forth in Addis v. Grammer by recognizing the need for intentionality or negligence in infliction of emotional distress. However, Texas typically imposes stricter requirements for proving claims of mental anguish than some other jurisdictions.
Under Texas law, a plaintiff may recover for emotional distress caused by another's negligent conduct if it is a foreseeable result of that conduct and the conduct is extreme and outrageous.
The Texas Supreme Court recognized claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress based on extreme and outrageous conduct in domestic relations.
The court emphasized the requirement for verifiable evidence of mental anguish consistent with Texas's stringent standards for emotional distress claims.
Affirmed that recovery for emotional distress is contingent on the defendant's conduct meeting the threshold of being extreme and outrageous.
Texas law is generally more restrictive than federal standards concerning claims for emotional distress, as Texas courts require a higher threshold of conduct to establish outrageousness. Federal courts may allow for broader interpretations under certain contexts, such as in discrimination cases.
Texas bar exam candidates should be familiar with the principles of emotional distress and the importance of the conduct's nature aligned with Texas law governing tort claims.