Date: 03-03-2012

Case Style: Barbara Swehla v. Montana Department of Labor and Industry

Case Number:

Judge: Dorothy McCarter

Court: Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Plaintiff's Attorney: Linda Deola

Defendant's Attorney: Montana Attorney General's Office

Description: Barbara Swehla sued the Montana Department of Labor and Industry on a wrongful discharge theory claiming that she was terminated in retaliation for expressing concerns about some licensed nurses providing nursing services not authorized by the licenses. Based on her interpretation of Montana law, Family Nurse Practitioners practicing in an acute-care settings might be acting illegally in caring for hospitalized patients.

The State of Montana argued that Swehl's termination was appropriate because her actions were disruptive to nurses and their employers and there was never any public safety concerns.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $160,275

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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