Varano v. Hicks

Summary

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed a district court judgment awarding Anthony Varano $616.33 plus costs for damages, gasoline, and oil arising from Micheal Hicks's use of Varano's snowmobile. The court held that substantial evidence supported the finding of an enforceable oral agreement and the judgment amount, and declined to disturb the district court's credibility determinations.

Holdings

1. The District Court did not clearly err in finding that the parties entered an enforceable oral agreement under which Hicks would be responsible for damage to the snowmobile and would pay for gasoline and oil.
2. The District Court's award of $500 for the agreed repair amount and $116.33 for gasoline and oil was supported by substantial evidence and was not clearly erroneous.

Questions Presented

1. Whether sufficient evidence supported the District Court's finding that the parties formed an enforceable oral contract concerning responsibility for snowmobile damage and operating expenses.
2. Whether sufficient evidence supported the amount of the District Court's judgment.

Disposition

affirmed