In Georgia, what is required for a plaintiff to recover for intentional infliction of emotional distress?

In Georgia, for a plaintiff to recover for intentional infliction of emotional distress, the critical requirement is that the defendant's conduct must be directed at the plaintiff. This means that the actions taken by the defendant must be intended to cause severe emotional distress to the individual bringing the lawsuit. It is not enough for the conduct to be merely inappropriate or offensive; it must be specifically targeted at the plaintiff and must cross the line into extreme and outrageous behavior.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the actions of the defendant and the psychological impact on the plaintiff. Intentional infliction of emotional distress is a tort that protects individuals from severe emotional harm caused by deliberate and egregious conduct. The nature of the behavior must be such that it would be considered intolerable in a civilized society. Thus, the proper focus in these cases is always on the defendant's intent and the specific conduct directed at the plaintiff that causes the emotional distress.