Mauldin v. Sheffer
Court of Appeals of Georgia
150 S.E.2d 150 (1966)
Architect L. Miles Sheffer (plaintiff), hired to design five school buildings, contracted with mechanical engineer John Mauldin (defendant) to provide engineering plans and specifications, but Mauldin's plans were rejected for violating physical laws and project regulations, forcing Sheffer to hire a replacement engineer and causing him to lose other secured school projects. Sheffer sued Mauldin, alleging he'd improperly reused plans from prior unrelated projects unsuitable for this one, asserting both negligence and aggravated tortious conduct and seeking $500,000 in punitive damages; Mauldin's general demurrer was overruled by the trial court, and he appealed.
Whether a breach of contract can serve as the basis of an action in tort if the alleged conduct also breaches a duty imposed by law.