What defines the "zone of danger" in Ohio tort law?

The "zone of danger" in Ohio tort law refers to a legal concept allowing individuals to recover damages for emotional distress when they are in close proximity to an accident or an event that poses a threat to their physical safety. This principle applies particularly to bystanders who witness traumatic events and experience emotional distress as a result, even if they were not physically harmed.

To recover for emotional distress under this doctrine, a plaintiff typically must demonstrate that they were in the immediate vicinity of a harmful event and thus at risk of physical injury themselves. The rationale behind the "zone of danger" is that when an individual is placed in a position of emotional turmoil due to the fear of potential harm to themselves as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, that person should be entitled to seek compensation for their emotional suffering.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of the "zone of danger." While geographical areas or limits for filing claims are relevant in different contexts, they do not address the legal ramifications of emotional distress linked specifically to being in a threatening situation. This distinction makes option B the correct answer as it directly relates to the provision within Ohio tort law concerning damages for emotional distress.