impact rule (Indiana) · Go Syfert
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impact rule in Indiana

50 Indiana opinions name it 2 courts 1973–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Indiana courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (17)

CaseFollowedCited
Shuamber v. Hendersongreen
ind · 1991 · cited in 23 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1992–2025
2 sentences

2012In Shuamber v. Henderson, 579 N.E.2d 452, 456 (Ind.1991), however, our supreme court modified the impact rule, holding that when: A plaintiff sustains a direct impact by the negligence of another and, by virtue of that direct involvement sustains an emotional trauma which is serious in nature and of a kind and extent normally expected to occur in a reasonable person[,] ... such a plaintiff is entitled to maintain an action to recover for that emotional trauma without regard to whether the emotional trauma arises out of or accompanies any physical injury to the plaintiff.

2011Because we concluded that “the rationale for [the impact rule], whatever its historical foundation, is no longer valid,” id. at 455 (quoting Cullison, 570 N.E.2d at 30 ), we relaxed the requirements of the impact rule.

1123
Ryan v. Browngreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2005–2012
2 sentences

2012See Ryan v. Brown, 827 N.E.2d 112, 119 (Ind.Ct.App.2005).

2009See Ryan v. Brown, 827 N.E.2d 112, 119 (Ind.Ct.App.2005).

23
Alexander v. Scheidgreen
ind · 2000 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2002–2011
2 sentences

2011Actions for emotional distress were originally limited by the impact rule, which required: “(1) an impact on the plaintiff; (2) that causes physical injury to the plaintiff; (3) that in turn causes the emotional distress.” Alexander v. Scheid, 726 N.E.2d 272, 283 (Ind.2000) (explaining the genesis of the impact rule).

2002Alexander v. Scheid, 726 N.E.2d 272, 283 (Ind.2000).

23
Gorman v. I & M Elec. Co., Inc.green
indctapp · 1994 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1995–1998
2 sentences

1998Since Shuamber , this court has stated that the modified impact rule “maintains the requirement that [the plaintiff] demonstrate that she suffered a direct physical impact.” Etienne v. Caputi, 679 N.E.2d 922, 926 (Ind.Ct.App.1997)(quoting Gorman v. I & M Electric Co., Inc., 641 N.E.2d 1288, 1290 (Ind.Ct.App.1994), trans. denied); see Miller v. May, 656 N.E.2d 1198, 1200 (Ind.Ct.App.1995), trans. denied.

1998See Gorman, 641 N.E.2d at 1291 (allowing plaintiff to recover for fear of injury that did not occur, but might have happened, would effectively abolish the impact rule).

23
Kush v. Lloydgreen
fla · 1992 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1997–2023
2 sentences

2023And this makes sense, as “the impact doctrine . . . generally is inapplicable to recognized torts in which damages often are predominantly emotional, such as defamation or invasion of privacy.” Kush v. Lloyd, 616 So. 2d 415, 422 (Fla. 1992).

1997See Kush, 616 So.2d 415 .

22
Pieters v. B-Right Trucking, Inc.green
innd · 1987 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1990–1997
2 sentences

1997Unlike the plaintiffs in Shuamber and Pieters v. B-Right, 669 F.Supp. 1463 (N.D.Ind.1987), Etienne does not claim emotional damages as a result of seeing a loved one’s traumatic death.

1991Little, supra; see also Pieters v. B-Right Trucking, Inc. (N.D.Ind.1987), 669 F.Supp. 1463, 1467 .

13
Delta Airlines v. Cookgreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2005–2006
2 sentences

2006See, e.g., Delta Airlines, 821 N.E.2d at 401 (asserting that the reasoning underlying this Court's decision to eliminate the physical injury requirement *997 under the impact rule "also supports eliminating the physical impact requirement under the modified impact rule"); Ketchmark v. N. Ind. Pub.

2005In Delta Airlines v. Cook, 816 N.E.2d 448 (Ind.Ct.App.2004), aff'd upon reh'g, 821 N.E.2d 400 (Ind.Ct.App.2005), the court further backed away from a strict enforcement of the impact rule.

12
Kalen v. Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroadgreen
indctapp · 1897 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1984–1990
2 sentences

1984R.R. (1897), 18 Ind.App. 202 , 47 N.E. 694 ." Walters requests that we overrule existing precedent and reject the impact rule for negligent infliction of emotional distress. 5 We decline the offer.

1984R.R. (1897), 18 Ind.App. 202 , 47 N.E. 694 ." Walters requests that we overrule existing precedent and reject the impact rule for negligent infliction of emotional distress. 5 We decline the offer.

12
Eakin v. Kumiegagreen
indctapp · 1991 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023From this it follows that such noncompensable injuries are not subject to payment from the Fund.” 567 N.E.2d at 153 (emphasis added).

11
Marley v. Stategreen
ind · 2001 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See id. [13] Nonetheless, Walker likens the impact on his defense by the exclusion of testimony about Taylor to the situation in Hyser, 996 N.E.2d at 443 .

11
Timothy L. Hyser v. State of Indianagreen
indctapp · 2013 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See id. [13] Nonetheless, Walker likens the impact on his defense by the exclusion of testimony about Taylor to the situation in Hyser, 996 N.E.2d at 443 .

11
Atlantic Coast Airlines v. Cookgreen
ind · 2006 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007Coast Airlines v. Cook, 857 N.E.2d 989, 997 (Ind.2006).

2007Coast Airlines v. Cook, 857 N.E.2d 989, 997 (Ind.2006).

11
Etienne v. Caputigreen
indctapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998Since Shuamber , this court has stated that the modified impact rule “maintains the requirement that [the plaintiff] demonstrate that she suffered a direct physical impact.” Etienne v. Caputi, 679 N.E.2d 922, 926 (Ind.Ct.App.1997)(quoting Gorman v. I & M Electric Co., Inc., 641 N.E.2d 1288, 1290 (Ind.Ct.App.1994), trans. denied); see Miller v. May, 656 N.E.2d 1198, 1200 (Ind.Ct.App.1995), trans. denied.

1998Since Shuamber , this court has stated that the modified impact rule "maintains the requirement that [the plaintiff] demonstrate that she suffered a direct physical impact." Etienne v. Caputi, 679 N.E.2d 922, 926 (Ind.Ct.App.1997)(quoting Gorman v. I & M Electric Co., Inc., 641 N.E.2d 1288, 1290 (Ind.Ct.App.1994), trans. denied ); see Miller v. May, 656 N.E.2d 1198, 1200 (Ind.Ct.App. 1995), trans. denied.

11
Miller v. Maygreen
indctapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998Since Shuamber , this court has stated that the modified impact rule “maintains the requirement that [the plaintiff] demonstrate that she suffered a direct physical impact.” Etienne v. Caputi, 679 N.E.2d 922, 926 (Ind.Ct.App.1997)(quoting Gorman v. I & M Electric Co., Inc., 641 N.E.2d 1288, 1290 (Ind.Ct.App.1994), trans. denied); see Miller v. May, 656 N.E.2d 1198, 1200 (Ind.Ct.App.1995), trans. denied.

1998Since Shuamber , this court has stated that the modified impact rule "maintains the requirement that [the plaintiff] demonstrate that she suffered a direct physical impact." Etienne v. Caputi, 679 N.E.2d 922, 926 (Ind.Ct.App.1997)(quoting Gorman v. I & M Electric Co., Inc., 641 N.E.2d 1288, 1290 (Ind.Ct.App.1994), trans. denied ); see Miller v. May, 656 N.E.2d 1198, 1200 (Ind.Ct.App. 1995), trans. denied.

11
Williams v. Bakergreen
dc · 1990 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998See, e.g., Williams v. Baker, 572 A.2d 1062 (D.C.1990), where the court stated: "We are fortified in our decision to forego the requirement of an impact by the conviction that the connection between mere physical impact and mental injury is tenuous.

1998See, e.g., Williams v. Baker, 572 A.2d 1062 (D.C.1990), where the court stated: "We are fortified in our decision to forego-the requirement of an impact by the conviction that the connection between mere physical imT pact and mental injury is tenuous.

11
Bader v. Johnsonyellow
indctapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Cullison v. Medleygreen
indctapp · 1990 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Indiana. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (35)

CaseCitedYears
Cullison v. Medley green
ind · 1991
2 sentences

2011Because we concluded that “the rationale for [the impact rule], whatever its historical foundation, is no longer valid,” id. at 455 (quoting Cullison, 570 N.E.2d at 30 ), we relaxed the requirements of the impact rule.

1996The impact rule provided that “damages for mental anguish are recoverable only when accompanied by and resulting from a physical injury.” Cullison v. Medley, 559 N.E.2d 619, 621 (Ind.Ct.App.1990), overruled on transfer, 570 N.E.2d 27 (1991).

61993–2011
Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith green
indctapp · 1976
2 sentences

1984In Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith, (1976) 171 Ind.App. 315 , 357 N.E.2d 247 , modified upon rehearing, (1977) 175 Ind.App. 1 , 369 N.E.2d 947 , trans. denied, this court made the following observation regarding the exception to the impact rule: The Indiana cases are consistent with most other jurisdictions which allow recovery for mental anguish as an element of compensatory damages in an action for injury to personal property only if the act occasioning the injury was inspired by fraud, malice, or like motives, involving intentional conduct.

1984In Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith, (1976) 171 Ind.App. 315 , 357 N.E.2d 247 , modified upon rehearing, (1977) 175 Ind.App. 1 , 369 N.E.2d 947 , trans. denied, this court made the following observation regarding the exception to the impact rule: The Indiana cases are consistent with most other jurisdictions which allow recovery for mental anguish as an element of compensatory damages in an action for injury to personal property only if the act occasioning the injury was inspired by fraud, malice, or like motives, involving intentional conduct.

31984–1991
Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith green
indctapp · 1977
2 sentences

1984In Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith, (1976) 171 Ind.App. 315 , 357 N.E.2d 247 , modified upon rehearing, (1977) 175 Ind.App. 1 , 369 N.E.2d 947 , trans. denied, this court made the following observation regarding the exception to the impact rule: The Indiana cases are consistent with most other jurisdictions which allow recovery for mental anguish as an element of compensatory damages in an action for injury to personal property only if the act occasioning the injury was inspired by fraud, malice, or like motives, involving intentional conduct.

1984In Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Smith, (1976) 171 Ind.App. 315 , 357 N.E.2d 247 , modified upon rehearing, (1977) 175 Ind.App. 1 , 369 N.E.2d 947 , trans. denied, this court made the following observation regarding the exception to the impact rule: The Indiana cases are consistent with most other jurisdictions which allow recovery for mental anguish as an element of compensatory damages in an action for injury to personal property only if the act occasioning the injury was inspired by fraud, malice, or like motives, involving intentional conduct.

31984–1991
Little v. Williamson green
indctapp · 1982
2 sentences

1991An exception to the rule exists for certain tort cases involving the intentional infliction of emotional distress, Cullison, supro; Little, supra, but Indiana has not yet recognized an exception to the impact rule for the negligent infliction of emotional distress.

1990The impact rule provides that “damages for emotional distress are recoverable only when accompanied by and resulting from a physical injury.” Little v. Williamson (1982), Ind.App., 441 N.E.2d 974, 975 .

31984–1991
Blackwell v. Dykes Funeral Homes, Inc. green
indctapp · 2002
2 sentences

2005Id.

2004The continuing effort to articulate an evolving definition of what remains of the "impact rule" has resulted in the anomalous situation in this state of a claim being recognized for mental anguish suffered by parents resulting from the loss of their deceased child's remains, see Blackwell, 771 N.E.2d 692 , but the denial of a parent's claim for emotional trauma resulting from the loss of a live child, see Ritchhart v. Indpls.

22004–2005
F. John Rogers, as Personal Representative of Paul Michalik, and R. David Boyer, Trustee of the Bankruptcy Estate of Jerry Lee Chambers v. Angela Martin and Brian Paul Brothers green
ind · 2016
2 sentences

2017In Rogers v. Martin, 63 N.E.3d 316 (Ind. 2016), a homeowner’s boyfriend got into a fight.with a guest at their house party, and the guest was injured.

2017However, our supreme court recently handed down two cases regarding the duty of landowners that have an impact on the analysis in this case. [15] In Rogers v. Martin, 63 N.E.3d 316 (Ind. 2016), a homeowner’s boyfriend got into a fight with a guest at their house party, and the guest was injured.

12017–2017
Indiana Patient's Compensation Fund v. Winkle green
indctapp · 2007
1 sentence

2011Id. at 5 .

12011–2011
Conder v. Wood green
ind · 1999
1 sentence

2011We found the impact requirement satisfied by the plaintiffs pounding, id. at 435 , noting that an impact need not be initiated by the tortfeasor.

12011–2011
Groves v. Taylor green
ind · 2000
2 sentences

2007In this light, the Groves court cited Judge Kirsch as saying that "traumatic events can have severe, debilitating and foreseeable emotional effect even if not accompanied by physical injury, a direct impact, or a direct involvement." Id. (emphasis added).

2007In this light, the Groves court cited Judge Kirsch as saying that "traumatic events can have severe, debilitating and foreseeable emotional effect even if not accompanied by physical injury, a direct impact, or a direct involvement." Id. (emphasis added).

12007–2007
Delta Airlines v. Cook green
indctapp · 2004
1 sentence

2005In Delta Airlines v. Cook, 816 N.E.2d 448 (Ind.Ct.App.2004), aff'd upon reh'g, 821 N.E.2d 400 (Ind.Ct.App.2005), the court further backed away from a strict enforcement of the impact rule.

12005–2005
Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp. green
mass · 1983
2 sentences

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

12004–2004
Butler v. the Burlington Northern green
moctapp · 2003
1 sentence

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

12004–2004
Rowell v. Holt green
fla · 2003
1 sentence

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

12004–2004
Andersen v. Baccus green
nc · 1994
2 sentences

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

2004Seq, eg., Rowell v. Holt, 850 So.2d 474 (Fla.2003) (reaffirming vitality of impact rule); Cohen v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 389 Mass. 327 , 450 N.E.2d 581 (1983) (applying a "direct observer" rule); Butler v. The Burlington Northern, 119 S.W.3d 620 (Mo. App. W.D.2003) (applying zone of danger test); Andersen v. Baccus, 335 N.C. 526 , 439 S.E.2d 136 (1994) (applying foreseeability test).

12004–2004
Ross v. Cheema green
ind · 1999
1 sentence

2002Id.

12002–2002
Roe v. North Adams Community School Corp. green
indctapp · 1995
11997–1997
Naccash v. Burger green
va · 1982
11997–1997
Adams v. Clean Air Systems, Inc. green
indctapp · 1992
11997–1997
Rambo v. Cohen green
indctapp · 1992
11996–1996
Kroger Co. v. Beck green
indctapp · 1978
11991–1991
Shuamber v. Henderson neutral
indctapp · 1990
11991–1991
Naughgle v. Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, Inc. green
indctapp · 1986
11991–1991
Baker v. American States Insurance green
indctapp · 1981
11990–1990
Indiana Motorcycle Ass'n v. Hudson green
indctapp · 1980
11990–1990
Moffett v. Gene B. Glick Co., Inc. green
innd · 1985
11990–1990
Endsley v. Game-Show Placements, Ltd. green
indctapp · 1980
11990–1990
Kotteakos v. United States green
scotus · 1946
11988–1988
Sypniewski v. State green
ind · 1977
11986–1986
Neal, Admr. v. Home Builders, Inc. green
ind · 1953
11984–1984
Elza v. Liberty Loan Corp. green
ind · 1981
11982–1982
Falzone v. Busch green
nj · 1965
11981–1981
Enos Coal Mining Co. v. SCHUCHART green
ind · 1963
11978–1978
Galbreath v. Engineering Construction Corp. green
indctapp · 1971
11978–1978
Rotert v. Peabody Coal Company green
moctapp · 1974
11978–1978
Chapman v. California red
scotus · 1967
11973–1973

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IN § Ind. Code § 34-18-2-22 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

FL 106 (1966–2026) CA 83 (1956–2025) TX 74 (1969–2021) IL 63 (1970–2025) MN 58 (1943–2018) DC 56 (1964–2026) PA 54 (1962–2026) IN 50 (1973–2025) GA 37 (1967–2025) NY 33 (1951–2026) NJ 30 (1957–2026) OR 25 (1986–2025) KS 22 (1972–2025) MD 19 (1963–2014) LA 18 (1975–2023) MA 17 (1978–2025) CO 16 (1977–2017) VA 14 (1968–2022) WA 14 (1968–2026) TN 14 (1973–2019) CT 13 (1982–2015) MI 12 (1972–2017) NM 12 (1987–2025) MO 11 (1950–2018) WI 10 (1979–2026) OH 9 (1961–2025) NC 9 (1980–2025) UT 9 (1989–2018) KY 8 (1971–2023) ME 8 (1982–2026) WV 7 (1982–2026) MS 7 (1975–2024) IA 7 (1981–2024) NV 6 (1985–2024) HI 6 (1974–2025) OK 5 (1969–2025) RI 5 (1997–2010) SC 4 (2002–2026) WY 4 (1986–2023) MT 4 (1980–2002) AZ 4 (1954–2023) AK 4 (1978–2023) DE 4 (1965–1987) AR 3 (1979–1999) NE 3 (1955–2003) ND 2 (1972–1990) VT 2 (2004–2014) AL 2 (1969–2001) NH 2 (1979–1989)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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