Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

mental abuse = harassment?

recently an ex boyfriend of mine told me he had Aids as a way of hurting me. he lied about it only to scare me. obviously i was a mess. i thought my life was in danger, that i was going to die. he thinks it is funny to play with my emotions. is there any way i could sue him for verbal abuse, mental anguish or verbal harassment? i consider this no less than a threat on my life. i was lead to believe my life was in danger.


Asked on 2/27/06, 12:26 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Harrison Berger Harrison, APC

Re: mental abuse = harassment?

You may have a case for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Such an action by your ex may even be considered malicious, entitling you to an award of punitive damages. Before you think about suing, however, does your ex have any money or assets? You may just want to never speak or associate with the ex again and move on.

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Answered on 2/27/06, 5:04 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: mental abuse = harassment?

You can sue him for intentional infliction of emotional distress, but doing so probably won't be worthwhile unless he has enough money to pay any judgment you might win.

What he told you was clearly distressing but it was not a threat. Threats are statements about what may happen in the future, but your alleged exposure to AIDS had already occurred before he told you he was infected.

Your ex sounds like a colossal jerk. Hopefully your next boyfriend will be better; it will be hard to find someone worse.

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Answered on 2/27/06, 5:19 pm
David Lupoff Law Offices of David B. Lupoff

Re: mental abuse = harassment?

Your ex sounds like an abusive idiot and it is a good thing that you are no longer with him. Intentional infliction of emotional distress would be your cause of action. If he has no assets, then any lawsuit against him could be a waste of time and money. In any event, it is not particularly healthy for you to continue any transactions with him whether it be a simple phone call or a lawsuit against him. It is best to simply move on and find a man that will treat you with respect.

Good luck.

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Answered on 2/27/06, 5:37 pm


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