Attorneys Stuart A. Panensky and Aileen Droughton Obtain Dismissal of Professional Negligence Claim Against Insurance Producer

February 05, 2008

EDISON, NEW JERSEY - TRAUB LIEBERMAN STRAUS & SHREWSBERRY LLP is pleased to recognize Stuart A. Panensky and Aileen Droughton on their success in American States v. Jason Turner, et al., a case venued in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Camden County.

Mr. Panensky and Ms. Droughton successfully obtained a summary ruling dismissing a Complaint for professional negligence against a licenced insurance producer, persuading the Court that expert testimony was required to prove that the insurance producer breached a duty of care in completing an application for comprehensive general liability insurance.

The plaintiff opposed Ms. Droughton and Mr. Panensky’s application by arguing that the issue of whether the insurance agent fell below the appropriate standard of care, is within the "common knowledge" of the jury and as such, no expert testimony was needed.

The Court granted Traub Lieberman's motion and dismissed the action for professional negligence. Had the Court ruled that the issue of an insurance professional’s duty of care was "common knowledge," it could have created a precedent allowing other meritless claims against licensed professionals to reach a jury.

TRAUB LIEBERMAN applauds the efforts of Ms. Droughton and Mr. Panensky. For more information on Ms. Droughton, a partner with Traub Lieberman, please visit:

http://www.traublieberman.com/profiles/aileendroughton/

And for more information on Mr. Panensky, a senior associate with Traub Lieberman, please visit:

http://www.traublieberman.com/profiles/stuartpanensky/