Latest Case This Week: Bratton v. Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Inc. (Mont.)

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Bratton v. Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Inc.

Court: Montana Supreme Court

Citation: 2020 MT 86

Opinion Date: April 14, 2020

Judge: James A. Rice

Areas of Law: Antitrust & Trade Regulation, Banking, Consumer Law

The Supreme Court affirmed the district court's order granting summary judgment in favor of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Inc. (SCL) on Cheryl Bratton's claims, holding that the district court did not err by granting summary judgment to SCL. This case stemmed from SCL's practice of issuing refunds to its patients, for such reasons as overpayment on an account, in the form of prepaid MasterCard debit cards issued through Bank of America. Plaintiff brought this suit alleging, among other claims, constructive trust based on unjust enrichment, unfair trade practices under the Montana Consumer Protection Act (MCPA), money had and received, and declaratory judgment. During discovery, SCL asked Bank of America to issue checks to Bratton for her refunds, which Bank of America did. The district court granted summary judgment for SCL. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the district court did not err by granting summary judgment to SCL on Bratton's claims and by denying Bratton's cross motions for summary judgment.