A legal concept in some jurisdictions allowing recovery for emotional distress if you were placed in immediate risk of physical harm, even if you weren’t physically struck.

In a personal injury case:
For example, a person nearly hit by a car who reasonably feared serious injury might claim emotional distress damages under a “zone of danger” rule.

What to know:

• Rules for emotional distress claims vary a lot by state.

• Some states require physical impact, others allow recovery if you were in immediate risk, and others allow claims for witnessing injuries to close relatives.