Opinion ID: 2545913
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: standard of review

Text: In reviewing a trial court's entry of summary judgment, we examine the record in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, giving that party all reasonable inferences that can fairly be drawn from the record. Summary judgment is proper only when no genuine issues of material fact exist and the prevailing party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A genuine issue of material fact is a disputed fact that, if proven, would establish or refute an essential element of a cause of action or a defense raised by the parties. For a summary judgment motion to be successful, the movant must make a prima facie showing that no genuine issue of material fact exists. The burden thereafter shifts to the opposing party to demonstrate the existence of a genuine issue of matter fact. Gordon v. Spectrum, Inc., 981 P.2d 488, 491-92 (Wyo.1999) (and cases cited therein). Moreover, this court evaluates the propriety of summary judgment using the same standards and materials used by the district court, affording no deference to the district court's decision on issues of law. A grant of summary judgment may be affirmed on any proper legal grounds supported by the record. Patel v. Khan, 970 P.2d 836, 838 (Wyo.1998).