Bret Vance v. Wyomed Laboratory, Inc. and Georgia L. Carmen
375 P.3d 746
Wyo.2016Background
- Wyomed conducted a breath test on Vance on December 5, 2012 showing BAC 0.016% and notified the City and Vance the same day.
- Vance was terminated from employment based on the December 5, 2012 test result.
- At a February 12, 2013 administrative hearing, Vance became aware of facts suggesting improper maintenance of the breathalyzer.
- Vance filed a claim on May 18, 2015 under the Wyoming Medical Review Panel Act and later sued Wyomed for negligence and related claims.
- Wyomed moved to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), arguing the two-year statute of limitations in § 1-3-107(a) had run.
- The district court granted the motion and the Supreme Court affirmed, holding all acts giving rise to the claims occurred on December 5, 2012.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are Vance's claims barred by § 1-3-107(a)? | Discovery within one year tolled limitations under discovery rule. | All acts occurred on December 5, 2012; claims filed after two years are untimely. | Yes; claims barred under § 1-3-107(a). |
Key Cases Cited
- Feltner v. Casey Family Program, 902 P.2d 206 (Wy. 1995) (statute of limitations with discovery rules standard)
- Trinity St. John v. Wagner, 302 P.3d 906 (Wy. 2013) (de novo review of statute-of-limitations questions)
- Mummery v. Polk, 770 P.2d 241 (Wy. 1989) (testing sufficiency of complaints under dismissal standard)
- Sump v. Sheridan, 358 P.2d 637 (Wy. 1961) (undisputed dates in limitations context)
- Nobles v. Memorial Hosp. of Laramie County, 301 P.3d 517 (Wy. 2013) (continuing course of treatment rule applicability)
- Errington v. Zolessi, 9 P.3d 966 (Wy. 2000) (clarifies punitive damages vs. separate cause of action)
- Vroman v. Town & Country Credit Corp., 158 P.3d 141 (Wy. 2007) (distinguishes punitive damages from independent claims)
