Attorneys successfully defended a case filed against an insurance company who referred a contractor as part of a "direct repair" program

Attorneys successfully defended a case filed against an insurance company who referred a contractor as part of a "direct repair" program.  The contractor allegedly caused damage to an extensive wine collection.  The Court had previously dismissed Plaintiffs' breach of contract and bad faith counts against the insurer, but Plaintiffs proceeded on a "negligent referral" theory.  The Court held in granting Summary Judgment that the insurance company did not owe any duty to the Plaintiffs relative to its referral of the contractor.  Therefore, Plaintiffs failed to adduce evidence establishing an essential element of negligence and could not proceed.  The case continues against the contractor.