What must a plaintiff establish to prove causation in an intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) claim?

To establish causation in a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's actions were a factual cause of the emotional distress experienced. This requirement means that the plaintiff needs to show a direct link between the defendant's conduct and the emotional harm suffered. The focus is on whether the distress was a foreseeable result of the defendant's extreme and outrageous behavior.

In the context of IIED, causation is typically framed around the plaintiff's emotional response to the defendant's actions, rather than focusing on physical harm or negligence. This highlights the unique nature of IIED claims, which primarily seek redress for emotional suffering rather than for tangible injuries or damages.

Establishing that the defendant's actions were a factual cause of distress allows plaintiffs to frame their experiences within the legal standards required for IIED, supporting their claims with the necessary evidentiary links to the defendant's conduct. Thus, the crucial element of causation here focuses directly on the relationship between the wrongful act and the emotional distress caused by it.