Witnessing traumatic injuries may support negligent infliction of emotional distress claims under limited circumstances. Zone of danger rules require witnesses to face physical impact risk themselves. Bystander recovery typically requires close family relationships and contemporaneous observation. Some jurisdictions deny pure emotional distress claims absent physical symptoms. PTSD diagnoses strengthen claims. Therapy records document trauma severity. First responders and good Samaritans may have different standards. Foreseeability of witnesses affects defendant liability. Direct victims’ claims don’t preclude witness recovery. Community trauma from mass incidents raises policy considerations. Cultural factors influence trauma perception and expression.