Lynch v. Deaconess Medical Center

The issue presented is whether an attorney is entitled to compensation, from one other than his client, when services rendered to his client incidentally benefit another.

Ms. Aree Tenney hired Mr. Lynch to pursue a claim against Medical Service Corporation (MSC) for failing to pay medical expenses she incurred at Deaconess Hospital. MSC eventually reversed its position and provided coverage for Ms. Tenney's medical expenses. Mr. Lynch brought this action in Spokane County Superior Court to recover attorney fees from Deaconess. Mr. Lynch alleges that Deaconess benefited from his services to Ms.…