Haider v. Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital

¶1 Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (FMDH) appeals from the order of the Seventeenth Judicial District Court, Valley County, awarding Alyce Haider (Haider) mandatory attorney’s fees pursuant to § 39-2-915, MCA (1997). We affirm.

¶2 The sole issue raised by FMDH on appeal is whether § 39-2-915, MCA (1997), violates the Montana Constitution by denying parties equal access to the courts.

Factual and Procedural Background

¶3 This appeal has its genesis in a wrongful discharge action by Haider against FMDH, her former employer. During negotiations, an offer to arbitrate was made by Haider. Upon…