Negligent referral is not a recognized cause of action in New Jersey, an appeals court has ruled, rejecting a legal malpractice claim lodged against a lawyer who referred a personal injury client to a colleague.

The Appellate Division affirmed a Cape May County Superior Court judge’s dismissal of an auto accident plaintiff’s malpractice claim against attorney M. Daniel Perskie and his firm, Perskie & Fendt of Northfield.