McDougall v. Lamm
New Jersey Supreme Court
48 A.3d 312 (2012)
Relevant factsFree
Joyce McDougall (plaintiff) watched Charlot Lamm's (defendant) dog kill her own dog, and, describing a very close emotional relationship with her dog, sued Lamm for the emotional distress the incident caused her. Lamm moved for summary judgment; the trial court granted the motion, the appellate court affirmed, and McDougall appealed.
IssueFree
Whether a person can recover for emotional distress caused by observing the traumatic death of another when the person does not share a close familial relationship or intimate, marital-like bond with the deceased.