Reece v. Finch

This is an appeal by the plaintiff, John W. Reece, M.D., from a summary judgment for the defendants, Drs. Finch, Warren, Smith, Wheeler, and Cameron. Dr. Reece's complaint alleged negligence, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, intentional interference with a business or contractual relationship, and deceptive trade practices, arising from statements made to Mutual Assurance Society of Alabama ("MASA") in connection with three separate applications for medical liability insurance made by Dr. Reece.

Because we hold that the alleged defamatory statements, which were made…