Champlin v. Washington Trust Co., of Westerly

OPINION

KELLEHER, Justice.

The crucial issue in this appeal is whether certain conduct by the attorney representing the defendant bank is sufficient to impose liability in a Superior Court civil action in which the plaintiff seeks damages for the negligent or intentional infliction of mental distress. Our answer is in the negative, and our rationale will follow a brief recitation of the pertinent facts.

This litigation revolves around a single 1976 telephone call plaintiff, Barbara B. Champlin (Barbara), received from the attorney for defendant, The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the…