Opinion
November 4, 1983
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Erie County, Doyle, J.
Present — Dillon, P.J., Callahan, Doerr, Green and Moule, JJ.
Order unanimously reversed, without costs, and motion granted. Memorandum: Barring any allegation in the complaint seeking to "vindicate a public right or deter morally culpable conduct, punitive damages are not recoverable" ( Halpin v Prudential Ins. Co., 48 N.Y.2d 906, 907). Allegations of willful and intentional refusal to pay (under terms of the policy) are insufficient ( Halpin v Prudential Ins. Co., supra; Reifenstein v Allstate Ins. Co., 92 A.D.2d 715). Therefore, the fourth cause of action seeking punitive damages must be dismissed. The fifth cause of action, seeking attorney's fees, is similarly infirm in the absence of a valid claim for punitive damages ( Bruno v Home Mut. Ins. Co., 91 A.D.2d 1169; Royal Globe Ins. Co. v Chock Full O'Nuts Corp., 86 A.D.2d 315, 321; see, also, Sukup v State of New York, 19 N.Y.2d 519, 522).