This book deals with the case law regarding compensation for pain and suffering for close relatives. An intensive case discussion follows the presentation of the most important court decisions from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, England, and France. There are three main chapters: the nuclear family, other relatives, and non-relatives. For the development of Austrian (and also German) case law, a thorough case analysis is essential: the limitation of liability for shock and grief damages due to the close personal relationship (status as a close relative) is subjected to strict scrutiny. On one hand, the case law must not go too far and must be able to handle a feared flood of lawsuits, while on the other hand, there remains the question in Austria of the possibility of expanding liability regardless of the degree of fault of the perpetrator. Due to the everyday relevance of this very emotional topic, the book is suitable for a broader readership and not just as a specialized book for legal professionals.