Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Emotional distress is not a cause of action, it is an element of damage. The statute of limitations would depend upon the nature of the wrongful act. If your distress arises from an intentional act, such as an assault, or libel or slander, you must file suit within 1 year of the wrongful act. The general statute of limitations for negligent conduct is 3 years, but there is no separate cause of action for negligent infliction of emotional distress. In other words, the emotional distress must be related to some physical injury sustained in the event.