Rinaldo's Construction Corp. v. Michigan Bell Telephone Co.

We granted leave to appeal to examine the relationship between courts of general jurisdiction and the primary jurisdiction of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Specifically, we address the question whether a circuit court may entertain a cause of action against a telephone company alleging negligence, despite the mpsc’s primary jurisdiction over customer claims arising under MPSC tariffs. We also address the applicability of Mpsc Tariff 7 to the plaintiffs case.

For the reasons that follow, we hold that, although a cause of action in tort against a telephone company or a claim…