Could Carol recover damages for emotional harm after witnessing Maddy's fall down the stairs?

The correct answer is that Carol could potentially recover damages for emotional harm depending on the jurisdiction. This reflects the legal approach taken in many jurisdictions regarding bystander claims for emotional distress.

In the context of tort law, the ability of a bystander to recover for emotional harm—especially after witnessing a traumatic event like Maddy's fall—varies across different jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions allow recovery for emotional distress if the bystander has a close relationship with the injured party, while others may require the bystander to have witnessed the event in a particular manner. There are also jurisdictions that have specific criteria that must be met for bystanders to claim damages for emotional harm, which can include severe emotional distress and proximity to the scene.

Therefore, Carol's ability to recover will hinge on the specifics of the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred, making her potential recovery contingent on those local laws and precedents.