Law & Ethics for Clinicians Working With Children & Families

Third Party Causes of Action
Can a non-patient sue you? Generally, NO, but
1. Diagnostic evaluators (Schwarz v. Regents
of UC (1990)).
2. Negligent infliction of emotional
distress:
a. Closely related;
b. Present when injury occurs and is
aware that it is harmful;
c. Suffers emotional distress more than a
disinterested witness (Thing v. La
Chusa (1989))
3. Reasonably foreseeable harm (Molien v.
Kaiser, (1980))