Montana Deaconess Medical Center v. Johnson

In this case we are asked to determine whether the City of Great Falls (City) or the County of Cascade (County) is ultimately responsible for medical costs incurred by a person in the custody of City Police Officers as a result of a felony arrest. The District Court of the Eighth Judicial District, Cascade County, determined that the controlling factor was the City’s custody over Johnson at the time the medical expenses were incurred and issued an order dismissing the City’s third party complaint against the County. We reverse.

The facts, as stipulated by the parties, are as follows:

1. On…