May one scare another person and is he liable for damages?[1]
It is forbidden to scare another Jew. One who does so, such as he released a scream from behind him or suddenly appeared in front of him in a dark area, although he is not liable below in this world, he is liable in the heavenly courts.[2]
If the scare caused injury:[3] If one scared another Jew and caused him injury, such as he fell sick due to the scare, then if there was no physical contact between the aggressor and the victim, he is not liable to pay for damages below in this world, although will be held liable in the world to come. If however he scared him through contacting his body, then he can be held liable to pay for damages.
[1] Admur Choshen Mishpat/Nizkei Guf Vanefesh 5; Michaber 420/32; Gemara Baba Kama 56a; Rambam Nezikin/Chovel Umazik/2/7
[2] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid
[3] Michaber ibid
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