Breach of Confidential Relationship

A claim for breach of confidential relationship requires showing an unconsented, unprivileged disclosure to a third person of non-public information that a person learned through his or her confidential relationship with another person. A confidential relationship may exist, for example, between a doctor and his or her patient.

A victim of breach of confidential relationship may recover compensatory damages, including for pecuniary losses and emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be available in especially egregious cases.

For information about other civil claims recognized in the District of Columbia, click here. For information about how to use this guide, click here.

[Sources: Douglas C. Melcher, Tort Claims and Defenses in the District of Columbia § 27 (2014), and legal authorities cited therein.]