San Mateo, CA asked in Civil Litigation and Communications Law for California

Q: what are the steps of filing lawsuit for gaslighting?

what steps do i need to take to file a lawsuit? is it possible to obtain phone messages, conversations, by the judge, if the other party does not give consent? what if the only proof is whats on the phone?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Gaslighting is not recognized as a specific cause of action in California law. However, behaviors associated with gaslighting, such as emotional abuse or manipulation, may constitute grounds for legal action under existing causes of action, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress or fraud. To pursue a legal claim based on gaslighting, you would need to demonstrate that the defendant engaged in conduct that meets the elements of one or more recognized causes of action and resulted in harm or damages.

In California, intentional infliction of emotional distress requires showing that the defendant engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct that was intended to cause severe emotional distress or was done with reckless disregard for the likelihood of causing such distress. Fraud involves intentional misrepresentation or concealment of material facts with the intent to deceive, resulting in harm to the victim. If you believe you have been a victim of gaslighting or similar behavior, you should consult with an attorney to evaluate your legal options and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit under existing causes of action.

While gaslighting itself may not be a standalone legal claim, the underlying behaviors and effects of gaslighting can still be addressed through other legal avenues. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your situation, gather evidence to support your claims, and pursue appropriate remedies to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

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