Donatelli v. D.R. Strong Consulting Engineers, Inc.

¶1 Professional engineers have a duty to exercise reasonable skill and judgment in performing engineering services.1 That duty exists despite the assertion of the defense of the economic loss rule, which is now known as the “independent duty doctrine.”2

¶2 Here, D.R. Strong Consulting Engineers, Inc., sought summary dismissal of the negligence and negligent misrepresentation claims asserted by Steven and Karen Donatelli solely on the basis that the economic loss rule bars these tort claims. The trial court denied this motion for partial summary judgment, and this court granted discretionary…