Opinion ID: 146973
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The District Court's Dismissal of the Complaint

Text: The District Court granted Defendants' 12(b)(6) motion in its entirety. [2] Hunt Constr. Group, Inc. v. Brennan Beer Gorman/Architects, P.C., No. 1:08-CV-65, 2008 WL 4870993, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93754 (D.Vt. Nov. 3, 2008). It first explained the background and rationales of the economic loss doctrine. It then stated that the `key' factor in a professional services analysis is the relationship between the parties. Id. at 2008 WL 4870993 at , 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93754 at  (citing EBWS, LLC v. Britly Corp., 181 Vt. 513, 524-25, 928 A.2d 497 (2007)). The professional services exception applies, the Court found, only if there is `a duty of care independent of any contractual obligations.' Id. at 2008 WL 4870993 at -3, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93754 at  (quoting Springfield Hydroelectric Co. v. Copp, 172 Vt. 311, 316, 779 A.2d 67 (2001)). Because Defendants' only duties here were created by their contracts with Spruce Peak, the Court concluded, the professional services exception did not apply, notwithstanding Defendants' professional licensure and the alleged foreseeability of Plaintiff's injury. Id. at 2008 WL 4870993 at -3, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93754 at -9. As to Plaintiff's second claim, the District Court held that [t]he policy considerations underlying Vermont's economic loss rule apply equally to tort actions for negligent [mis]representation, and accordingly found them barred. Id. at 2008 WL 4870993 at , 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93754 at . The District Court cited two District of Vermont cases for support, but did not cite or discuss any state court precedents. Id.