Shaniqua Thompson watched as her stepfather got hit by a car and was propelled through the window of a barbershop. When he later died, Shaniqua filed suit against those involved in the accident.
After the Kings County Supreme Court dismissed her personal injury claim, the Appellate Division, Second Department, agreed that because Shaniqua wasn't an "immediate family" member she couldn't secure a recovery on "intentional infliction of emotional distress" grounds. (Citing "strong public policy limiting liability," Shaniqua--as a stepchild--wasn't permitted to pursue a claim.)
That's distressing.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Thompson v. Dhaiti