Understanding the difference between Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) in California is an important part of the legal process. While IIED focuses on the defendant’s intent, NIED assumes the defendant failed to fulfill a legal duty [[1](https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/nied-negligent-infliction-of-emotional-distress.html)], [[2](https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/personal-injury/negligent-infliction-of-emotional-distress/)]. Whereas IIED requires physical damage to be proven, NIED only requires an individual to prove that their emotional distress was caused by the defendant’s wrongdoing [[3](https://jnylaw.com/what-is-the-difference-between-iied-and-neid-california/)].
