Court Opinion

ID: 4418756
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-07-22 14:45:48.418841+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:02:02.846771
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Vancrest Mgt. Corp. v. Mullenhour, 2019-Ohio-2958.]

                      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                          THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
                               ALLEN COUNTY

VANCREST MANAGEMENT CORP.,

        PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT,                                   CASE NO. 1-18-59

        v.

LISA MULLENHOUR,                                               OPINION

        DEFENDANT-APPELLEE.

                  Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court
                           Trial Court No. CV 2017 0475

                                     Judgment Affirmed

                             Date of Decision:       July 22, 2019

APPEARANCES:

        Aaron M. Baker for Appellant

        Zachary D. Maisch for Appellee
Case No. 1-18-59

ZIMMERMAN, P.J.

      {¶1} Plaintiff-appellant, Vancrest Management Corporation (“Vancrest”),

appeals the October 4, 2018 judgment of the Allen County Court of Common Pleas

dismissing      its   complaint   against    defendant-appellee,   Lisa   Mullenhour

(“Mullenhour”). For the reasons that follow, we affirm.

      {¶2} On August 23, 2017, Vancrest filed a breach-of-contract complaint

seeking damages from Mullenhour for services provided to Mullenhour’s mother,

Wanda Hohlbein (“Hohlbein”), for Hohlbein’s nursing-facility care from January 4,

2017 through the date of Hohlbein’s death on May 11, 2017. (Doc. No. 1).

Although file stamped on September 14, 2017, Vancrest served an amended

complaint on Mullenhour on September 11, 2017.             (Doc. No. 4). (See also

Appellee’s Brief at 1). On September 13, 2017, Mullenhour filed her answer to

Vancrest’s amended complaint and filed a frivolous-conduct counterclaim. (Doc.

No. 3). Vancrest filed an answer to Mullenhour’s counterclaim on October 2, 2017.

(Doc. No. 7).

      {¶3} Mullenhour filed a motion for summary judgment on December 5,

2017. (Doc. No. 10). On December 26, 2017, Vancrest filed a memorandum in

opposition to Mullenhour’s motion for summary judgment and a motion for

summary judgment as to its breach-of-contract claim. (Doc. No. 11). Mullenhour

filed a memorandum in opposition to Vancrest’s motion for summary judgment on

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Case No. 1-18-59

December 28, 2017. (Doc. No. 13). Vancrest filed its response to Mullenhour’s

memorandum in opposition to its motion for summary judgment on January 16,

2018. (Doc. No. 14). That same day, the trial court denied Mullenhour’s and

Vancrest’s motions for summary judgment. (Doc. No. 15).

        {¶4} On March 30, 2018, Vancrest filed a second amended complaint

alleging causes of action for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, unjust

enrichment, fraudulent misappropriation, and fraudulent misrepresentation. (Doc.

No. 23). On April 4, 2018, Mullenhour filed her answer to Vancrest’s second

amended complaint. (Doc. No. 24).

        {¶5} After a bench trial on October 4, 2018, the trial court dismissed

Vancrest’s second amended complaint under Civ.R. 41(B)(2). (Doc. No. 43).1

        {¶6} Vancrest filed its notice of appeal on November 2, 2018. (Doc. No. 45).

It raises two assignments of error for our review, which we will address together.

                                   Assignment of Error No. I

        Trial Court Erred as a Matter of Law in its Application of Ohio
        Revised Code Section 1337.082(A) to the Determination of
        Whether Appellee Could Be Held Personally Liable.

                                   Assignment of Error No. II

        The Trial Court’s Decision was Against the Manifest Weight of
        the Evidence When No Evidence was Presented to Rebut
        Appellant’s Claims

1
 Mullenhour voluntarily dismissed her counterclaim prior to the start of trial. (Doc. No. 43); (Oct. 4, 2018
Tr. at 4).

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Case No. 1-18-59

        {¶7} In its assignments of error, Vancrest argues that the trial court erred by

dismissing its complaint against Mullenhour. Specifically, Vancrest argues that it

presented unrebutted evidence that Mullenhour can be held personally liable for

Hohlbein’s debt by operation of R.C. 1337.092 based on a breach of the Consent to

Treat and Admission Agreement (the “agreement”). In the alternative, Vancrest

argues that it presented unrebutted evidence that Mullenhour can be held personally

liable for Hohlbein’s debt under theories of fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent

misappropriation, or unjust enrichment.2

                                        Standard of Review

        {¶8} “Civil Rule 41(B)(2) permits a defendant in a nonjury action to move

for dismissal of the action after the close of the plaintiff’s case.” Mohn v. Ashland

Cty. Chief Med. Examiner, 5th Dist. Ashland No. 14-COA-031, 2015-Ohio-1985, ¶

28. “Dismissals under Civil Rule 41(B)(2) are similar in nature to a directed verdict

in jury actions; however, because a Civil Rule 41(B)(2) dismissal is used in nonjury

actions, it requires the trial court and reviewing courts to apply different tests.” Id.,

citing Cent. Motors Corp. v. Pepper Pike, 63 Ohio App. 2d 34, 48 (8th Dist.1979).

        {¶9} “Under Civ.R. 41(B)(2), a trial court may consider ‘both the law and

the facts.’” Mueller v. All-Temp Refrig., Inc., 3d Dist. Van Wert No. 15-13-08,

2014-Ohio-2718, ¶ 39, quoting Ohio Valley Associated Bldrs. & Constrs. v. Rapier

2
 Vancrest does not challenge the trial court’s decision as to its promissory-estoppel cause of action. See
Gilchrist v. Sax Mtge. Servs., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 12AP-556, 2013-Ohio-949, ¶ 13.

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Case No. 1-18-59

Elec., Inc., 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2013-07-110 and CA2013-07-121, 2014-

Ohio-1477, ¶ 23. “Therefore, under the rule, the trial judge as the trier of fact does

not view the evidence in a light most favorable to plaintiff, but instead actually

determines whether the plaintiff has proven the necessary facts by the appropriate

evidentiary standard.” Mohn at ¶ 28, citing L.W. Shoemaker, M.D., Inc. v. Connor,

81 Ohio App. 3d 748, 752 (10th Dist.1992) and Harris v. Cincinnati, 79 Ohio

App.3d 163, 168 (1st Dist.1992). See also Mueller at ¶ 40 (noting that the trial court

does not review “‘the evidence in the light most favorable to the plaintiff but is

required only to determine whether the plaintiff has made out his case by a

preponderance of the evidence.’”), quoting Jacobs v. Bd. of Cty. Commrs. of

Auglaize Cty., 27 Ohio App. 2d 63, 65 (3d Dist.1971). “Even if the plaintiff has

presented a prima facie case, dismissal is still appropriate where the trial court

determines that the necessary quantum of proof makes it clear that plaintiff will not

prevail.” Mohn at ¶ 28, citing Fenley v. Athens Cty. Genealogical Chapter, 4th Dist.

Athens No. 97CA36, 1998 WL 295496, *3 (May 29, 1998). See also Mueller at ¶

39 (“‘“The premise behind the rule is if the court in a bench trial disbelieves the

plaintiff’s facts or disagrees with the plaintiff’s urged application of the law, then

there is no reason to hear the defendant’s case.”’”), quoting Ohio Valley Associated

Bldrs. at ¶ 22, quoting Martin v. Lake Mohawk Property Owner’s Assn., 7th Dist.

Carroll No. 04 CA 815, 2005-Ohio-7062, ¶ 19.

                                         -5-
Case No. 1-18-59

       {¶10} A dismissal under Civ.R. 41(B)(2) will be reversed on appeal only if

it is erroneous as a matter of law or against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Mueller at ¶ 40, citing Jacobs at 65; Mohn at ¶ 29, citing Ogan v. Ogan, 122 Ohio

App.3d 580, 583 (12th Dist.1997). Under the manifest-weight standard, this court

neither weighs the evidence nor judges the credibility of witnesses; rather, our role

is to determine whether the trial court’s judgment is supported by some competent,

credible evidence. Mohn at ¶ 29, citing C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Constr., 54 Ohio

St.2d 279 (1978), syllabus; Univ. of Findlay v. Martin, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-17-

02, 2017-Ohio-7016, ¶ 10 (“Judgments supported by some competent, credible

evidence will not be reversed on appeal as being against the manifest weight of the

evidence.”), citing Phillimore v. Butterbaugh, 5th Dist. Richland No. 14CA32,

2014-Ohio-4641, ¶ 25.

                                       Analysis

       {¶11} As an initial matter, Vancrest contends that the trial court committed

reversible error because Mullenhour did “not present rebuttal evidence.”

(Appellant’s Brief at 7, citing Conti v. Spitzer Auto World Amherst Inc., 9th Dist.

Lorain No. 07CA009121, 2008-Ohio-1320, ¶ 54 (Dickson, J., concurring)).

Vancrest’s assertion is erroneous for a number of reasons. Primarily, the alleged

proposition of law to which Vancrest directs us appears in a concurring opinion

(related to a case involving a jury trial), which discusses that appellate-court judge’s

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Case No. 1-18-59

opinion as to the criminal- and civil-manifest-weight standards of review. In that

concurring opinion, that appellate-court judge cites to a more verbose concurring

opinion (authored by the same appellate-court judge) explaining his disagreement

with the Supreme Court of Ohio’s recitation of the manifest-weight standard of

review applied to civil cases in Ohio. See Huntington Natl. Bank v. Chappell, 183
Ohio App. 3d 1, 2007-Ohio-4344, ¶ 17-75 (9th Dist.) (Dickson, J., concurring).

Clearly, one appellate-court judge’s opinion, appearing as a concurring opinion

regarding the criminal- and civil-manifest-weight standards of review, does not rise

to the level of an applicable statement of law.

       {¶12} Moreover, it is illogical to even contend that—under the standard of

review applied to motions to dismiss under Civ.R. 41(B)(2)—a dismissed action is

reversible because the defense did not present rebuttal evidence. In other words, the

purpose of Civ.R. 41(B)(2) is to preserve judicial economy by permitting a trial

court to assess whether the plaintiff has established the elements of its case under

the appropriate quantum of evidence before moving forward with the trial.

Accordingly, the focus of an appellate court’s review of a trial court’s dismissal of

an action under Civ.R. 41(B)(2) assesses the trial court’s analysis of the plaintiff’s

case. That is, we review whether the trial court’s conclusion that the plaintiff failed

to establish the appropriate quantum of proof for each element of its case is

supported by some competent, credible evidence or whether the trial court

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Case No. 1-18-59

erroneously applied the law. Therefore, applying the appropriate standard-of-

review, we will address Vancrest’s argument that the trial court erred by dismissing

its complaint.

                                Breach of Contract

       {¶13} We will begin by addressing Vancrest’s argument that the trial court’s

dismissal of its breach-of-contract claim is in error and against the manifest weight

of the evidence. “A cause of action for breach of contract requires the claimant to

establish the existence of a contract, the failure without legal excuse of the other

party to perform when performance is due, and damages or loss resulting from the

breach.” Lucarell v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 152 Ohio St. 3d 453, 2018-Ohio-15,

¶ 41. However, “‘“[a] contract is binding only upon parties to a contract and those

in privity with them.”’” Gilchrist v. Saxon Mtge. Servs., 10th Dist. Franklin No.

12AP-556, 2013-Ohio-949, ¶ 23, quoting DVCC, Inc. v. Med. College of Ohio, 10th

Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-237, 2006-Ohio-945, ¶ 19, quoting Samadder v. DMF of

Ohio, Inc., 154 Ohio App. 3d 770, 2003-Ohio-5340, ¶ 25 (10th Dist.).

       {¶14} On appeal, Vancrest does not dispute that Mullenhour did not execute

the contract in her personal capacity; rather, it concedes that Mullenhour executed

the contract in her representative capacity as attorney in fact for Hohlbein. (See

Appellant’s Brief at 8); (Appellant’s Reply Brief at 2, 4). Compare Gilchrist at ¶

18. Accordingly, because Mullenhour (in her personal capacity) was not a party to

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Case No. 1-18-59

the contract, Vancrest acknowledges that its ability to recover from Mullenhour for

Hohlbein’s failure to pay is limited. Accord Huntington Natl. Bank v. A & J

Plumbing, Inc., 11th Dist. Geauga No. 2011-G-3021, 2012-Ohio-526, ¶ 27. See

Extendicare Health Servs., Inc. v. Dunkerton, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2015-P-0004,

2017-Ohio-427, ¶ 28. See also Gilchrist at ¶ 23. Nonetheless, Vancrest asserts that

an avenue for recovery exists under R.C. 1337.092.

       {¶15} R.C. 1337.092 provides, in its relevant part, that “the attorney in fact

is not personally liable on the contract, unless the contract otherwise specifies.”

R.C. 1337.092(A). The statute also sets forth exceptions to that general rule and

provides, in its relevant part, as follows:

       (B) An attorney in fact is not personally liable for a debt of the
       attorney in fact’s principal, unless one or more of the following
       applies:

       (1) The attorney in fact agrees to be personally responsible for the
       debt.

       ***

       (3) The negligence of the attorney in fact gave rise to or resulted in
       the debt.

R.C. 1337.092(B)(1), (3). In this case, Vancrest contends that Mullenhour could be

held personally liable for Hohlbein’s debt (1) because “the [contract] specifically

provided for personal liability” or (2) because Mullenhour’s negligence gave rise to

or resulted in the debt.

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Case No. 1-18-59

         {¶16} As an initial matter, Mullenhour contends that Vancrest waived any

argument relative to R.C. 1337.092 for purposes of appeal because it did not raise

the applicability of the statute in its second amended complaint or in its case-in-

chief.    “An appellant cannot change the theory of his case and present new

arguments for the first time on appeal.” Gilchrist at ¶ 22, citing Havely v. Franklin

Cty., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 07AP-1077, 2008-Ohio-4889, ¶ 53, fn. 3 and Brewer

v. Brewer, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 09AP-146, 2010-Ohio-1319, ¶ 23. See also

Dunkerton at ¶ 31 (“Due process requires notice and an opportunity to be heard at a

meaningful time and in sufficient time to permit a party to defend the allegations

against him.”), citing Bd. of Trustees of Columbia Twp. v. Albertson, 9th Dist.

Lorain No. 01 CA007785, 2001 WL 1240135, *5 (Oct. 17, 2001), citing State v.

Hochhausler, 76 Ohio St. 3d 455, 459 (1996), and citing W. Chester Twp. Bd. of

Trustees v. Speedway Superamerica, L.L.C., 12th Dist. Butler No CA2006-05-104,

2007-Ohio-2844, ¶ 43. “Generally, appellate courts will not consider arguments

that were never presented to the trial court whose judgment is sought to be

reversed.” Gilchrist at ¶ 22, citing Brewer at ¶ 23, citing State ex rel. Quarto Mining

Co. v. Foreman, 79 Ohio St. 3d 78, 81 (1997).

         {¶17} At best, Vancrest remotely mentioned the applicability of R.C.

1337.092—namely, the negligence exception—at trial in its response to

Mullenhour’s response to its opposition to Mullenhour’s motion to dismiss. (See

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Case No. 1-18-59

Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 109). However, Vancrest did not allege the applicability of the

statute in its second amended complaint or in its case-in-chief. See Gilchrist at ¶

21; Dunkerton at ¶ 31. Indeed, in its opening statement, Vancrest stated that its

theory of the case was that Mullenhour is personally liable for Hohlbein’s debt based

on a breach of contract or, in the alternative, Vancrest theorized that she can be held

personally   liable   under    theories    of    “promissory   estoppel,    fraudulent

misrepresentation, and fraudulent misappropriations [sic], and potentially some

unjust enrichment.” (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 3-4). In other words, the record reflects

that Mullenhour did not have any meaningful opportunity to respond to any

argument regarding the applicability of R.C. 1337.092. See Dunkerton at ¶ 31.

Moreover, based on the omission of an argument concerning the applicability of

R.C. 1337.092 in Vancrest’s second amended complaint and its case-in-chief, the

trial court was not afforded an opportunity to address or to fully consider the

statute’s applicability. See Dunkerton at ¶ 31. Based on these facts, and the

precedent of our sister appellate districts, Vancrest waived any argument concerning

the applicability of R.C. 1337.092 for purposes of appeal. See Gilchrist at ¶ 22;

Dunkerton at ¶ 31.

       {¶18} Nevertheless, we note that there may be an argument available

concerning the applicability of state and federal regulations under the Nursing Home

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Case No. 1-18-59

Reform Act.3 See, e.g., Classic Healthcare Sys., LLC v. Faun Miracle, 12th Dist.

Warren No. CA2017-03-029, 2017-Ohio-8540, ¶ 33 (Powell, P.J., dissenting);

Manor of Lake City, Inc. v. Hinners, 548 N.W.2d 573, 576 (Iowa1996). See also

Cook Willow Health Ctr. v. Andrien, 54 Conn. L. Rptr. 729, 2012 WL 5200369, *3

(Sept. 28, 2012) (noting that a nursing-facility agreement “unambiguously complies

with” federal regulations when “‘it expressly prohibits personal liability on the part

of the defendant for payments made to [a nursing facility] from [a resident’s]

account,’ and second, ‘the contract obligates the defendant to use [the resident’s]

assets for the payment of services’”), quoting Sunrise Healthcare Corp. v.

Azarigian, 76 Conn.App. 800, 808 (2003).                        See generally Manahawkin

Convalescent v. O’Neill, 217 N.J. 99, 116, 85 A.3d 947 (2014) (characterizing the

Nursing Home Reform Act as “Congress’s statutory scheme intended to protect

nursing home residents and their families”), citing Omnibus Budget Reconciliation

Act of 1987, Pub.L. No. 100203, § 4211, 101 Stat. 1330, 182-221 (1987). Indeed,

“federal law has long barred nursing homes accepting either Medicaid or Medicare

from compelling third party guarantees of resident payment, but permits such

facilities to require individuals with legal access to the resident’s assets to pay for

the resident’s care with such assets.” Manahawkin Convalescent at 116. See Inova

Health Sys. Servs., Inc. v. Bainbridge, 81 Va. Cir. 39, 2010 WL 7765105, *4 (July

3
 Based on the information contained within the record, we are presuming that the Federal Nursing Home
Act applies to Vancrest.

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Case No. 1-18-59

19, 2010) (“It is clear * * * that Congress did not want nursing homes to force others

not in privity, such as a resident’s family member, to assume personal financial

responsibility for the care of the resident.”), citing H.R. Rep. No. 104-651 (1996).4

         {¶19} In particular, one component of the federal-statutory scheme, provides

that “[w]ith respect to admissions practices a nursing facility must * * * not require

a third party guarantee of payment to the facility as a condition of admission (or

expedited admission) to, or continued stay in the facility.”                                     42 U.S.C.

1396r(c)(5)(A)(ii). However,

         Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not be construed as preventing a facility
         from requiring an individual, who has legal access to a resident’s
         income or resources available to pay for care in the facility, to sign a
         contract (without incurring personal financial liability) to provide
         payment from the resident’s income or resources for such care.

(Emphasis added.) 42 U.S.C. 1396r(c)(5)(B)(ii).5 6 See Manahawkin Convalescent

at 116 (suggesting that the regulation distinguishes “between a nursing home

resident’s assets in the control of a third party, which may be pursued by the facility,

and that third party’s personal funds, which are beyond the facility’s reach”).

4
  See Pearson, The Responsible Thing to Do About “Responsible Party” Provisions in Nursing Home
Agreements: A Proposal for Change on Three Fronts, 37 U. Mich. J.L. Reform 757, 777-778 (2004)
(discussing the application of traditional-agency theory to third-party liability provisions of nursing-facility
agreements); Heiby Oil Co. v. Pence, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2-99-02, 1999 WL 378370, *2 (June 3, 1999)
(discussing traditional agency law).
5
  “Similar language appears in [42 U.S.C. 1395i-3(c)(5)(A)(ii) and (B)(ii)], which govern skilled nursing
facilities that accept Medicare.” Manahawkin Convalescent v. O’Neill, 217 N.J. 99, 116, 85 A.3d 947 (2014).
6
  See, e.g., Va. Code Ann. 32.1-138.3 (defining a resident’s “income or resources” as “any amount deemed
to be income or resources of the resident for purposes of Medicaid eligibility and any resources transferred
by the resident to a third party if the transfer disqualifies the resident from Medicaid coverage for nursing
facility services”).

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Case No. 1-18-59

Somewhat more restrictively, the Code of Federal Regulations provides, in its

relevant part, as follows:

        (3) The facility must not request or require a third party guarantee of
        payment to the facility as a condition of admission or expedited
        admission, or continued stay in the facility. However, the facility may
        request and require a resident representative who has legal access to a
        resident’s income or resources available to pay for facility care to sign
        a contract, without incurring personal financial liability, to provide
        facility payment from the resident’s income or resources.

(Emphasis added.) 42 C.F.R. 483.15(a)(3).7 Finally, Ohio’s regulation provides, in

its relevant part, as follows:

        (C) A provider of a [nursing facility] shall not:

        ***

        (4) Require a third party to accept personal responsibility for paying
        the facility charges out of his or her own funds. However, the facility
        may require a representative who has legal access to an individual’s
        income or resources available to pay for facility care to sign a contract,
        without incurring personal financial liability, to provide facility
        payment from the individual’s income or resources if the individual’s
        medicaid application is denied and if the individual’s cost of care is
        not being paid by medicare or another third-party payor. A third-party
        guarantee is not the same as a third-party payor (i.e., an insurance
        company), and this provision does not preclude the facility from
        obtaining information about medicare and medicaid eligibility or the
        availability of private insurance. The prohibition against third-party
        guarantees applies to all individuals and prospective individuals in all
        certified [nursing facilities] regardless of payment source. This
        provision does not prohibit a third party from voluntarily making
        payment on behalf of an individual.

7
 “42 C.F.R. 483.15(A)(3) * * * was amended in October 2016 to prohibit facilities from requesting a third-
party guarantee of payment.” (Emphasis added.) Montefiore Home v. O’Donnell, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.
107074, 2018-Ohio-5238, ¶ 6.

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(Emphasis added.) Ohio Adm.Code 5160-3-02(C)(4).8                              9
                                                                                   However, because we

conclude that Vancrest waived any argument concerning the applicability of R.C.

1337.092, we are constricted by the notions of due process from addressing the

applicability of the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act and corresponding Ohio

regulations to the facts of this case.

                                     Fraudulent Misrepresentation

         {¶20} Next, Vancrest argues that the trial court erred by dismissing its

fraudulent-misrepresentation claim. In particular, Vancrest contends that the trial

court’s dismissal is against the manifest weight of the evidence because it presented

undisputed evidence that Mullenhour fraudulently (intentionally) misrepresented

her control over Hohlbein’s resources. In other words, Vancrest contends that it

presented evidence that it was fraudulently induced to enter into the agreement

based on Mullenhour’s “represent[ation] that she had legal access and authority over

all of the Resident’s income, assets, and personal and real property.” (Appellant’s

Brief at 15).

8
  “‘Resources’ means cash, funds held within a financial institution, investments, personal property, and real
property an individual and/or the individual’s spouse has an ownership interest in, has the legal ability to
access in order to convert to cash, and is not legally prohibited from using for support and maintenance.”
Ohio Adm.Code 5160:1-1-01.
9
  See Pearson, 37 U. Mich. J.L. Reform at 782-783 (suggesting that the “roles” of third-party signers can be
susceptible to “alternative, inconsistent meanings” and that roles identified, for instance, as “attorney in fact”;
“responsible party”; “representative”; “guarantor;” or “sponsor” are not mutually exclusive). See also
Meadowbrook Center, Inc. v. Buchman, 149 Conn.App. 177, 201-203, 90 A.3d 219 (2014) (addressing the
nuances of third-party identifiers in admission agreements); Manahawkin Convalescent, 217 N.J. at 120
(concluding that the “cause of action was not defined in sufficient detail * * * and was not properly pled”
because it was unclear whether the nursing home was asserting its claim against O’Neill in her fiduciary
capacity or against her individually).

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        {¶21} “Fraud in the inducement arises when a party is induced to enter into

an agreement based on a misrepresentation.” Tesar Indus. Contrs., Inc. v. Republic

Steel, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 16CA010957, 2018-Ohio-2089, ¶ 45, citing Terry v.

Bishop Homes of Copley, Inc., 9th Dist. Summit No. 21244, 2003-Ohio-1468, ¶ 21.

“The fraud relates not to the nature of the contract, but to the facts prompting its

execution.” (Emphasis added.) Id., citing Terry at ¶ 21, citing Harper v. J.D.

Byrider, 148 Ohio App. 3d 122, 2002-Ohio-2657, ¶ 11 (9th Dist.).

        {¶22} An action for fraud in the inducement requires proof of “‘[1] a

representation or, where there is a duty to disclose concealment of a fact, [2] which

is material to the transaction at hand, [3] made falsely, with knowledge of its falsity,

or with such utter disregard and recklessness as to whether it is true or false that

knowledge may be inferred, [4] with the intent of misleading another into relying

upon it, [5] justifiable reliance upon the representation or concealment, and [6] a

resulting injury proximately caused by the reliance.’”10 Id., quoting Ponder v. Culp,

9th Dist. Summit No. 28184, 2017-Ohio-168, ¶ 11. See also Countrymark Coop.,

Inc. v. Smith, 124 Ohio App. 3d 159, 171 (3d Dist.1997), citing Burr v. Stark Cty.

Bd. of Commrs., 23 Ohio St. 3d 69, 73 (1986).

10
  The elements of fraudulent misrepresentation are identical to the elements of fraud in the inducement.
Compare Funk v. Durant, 155 Ohio App. 3d 221, 2003-Ohio-5591, ¶ 20 with Countrymark Coop., Inc. v.
Smith, 124 Ohio App. 3d 159, 171 (3d Dist.1997).

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       {¶23} In this case, the trial court concluded that Vancrest “did not present

any credible evidence that Mullenhour concealed or misrepresented any fact

material to her mother’s nursing home bill.” (Doc. No. 43). In our review, there is

some competent, credible evidence in the record supporting the trial court’s

conclusion.      Compare Geriatrics, Inc. v. McGee, Conn.Super.Ct. No.

HHBCV155016441S, 2017 WL 715756, *9 (Jan. 11, 2017) (concluding that the

nursing facility’s fraudulent-misrepresentation claim was properly dismissed

because “there [was] no evidence that [the attorney in fact] made any

representations at all to the plaintiff prior to [his mother’s] admission to [the nursing

facility]”), overruled in part on other grounds, 332 Conn. 1, ___ A.3d ___ (2019).

Specifically, Stacy Fairchild (“Fairchild”), a “registered social worker assistant”

who “also help[s] with all the admissions and discharges” at Vancrest, testified that

she met with Mullenhour on January 4, 2017 to effectuate the admission of

Hohlbein. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 6, 12). Fairchild testified that Mullenhour asserted

(by way of the agreement) that she had access to “her mother’s funds.” (Id. at 15).

Fairchild further testified on cross-examination that Mullenhour did not “make any

misrepresentations about assets of her mother.” (Id. at 34). Likewise, Fairchild and

Laura Brio (“Brio”), the accounts-receivable manager at Vancrest, testified that they

never discussed Hohlbein’s assets with Mullenhour. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 35-39, 43,

63).

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        {¶24} Nevertheless, Vancrest’s argues that “[b]y executing the Agreement,

[Mullenhour], by a positive statement, implied and affirmed knowledge concerning

the nature and extent of [Hohlbein’s] assets and her level of control over those

assets” because

        [p]aragraph C3 of the Agreement itself makes clear both an assertion
        of a fact (control over resources) and Vancrest’s reliance:

        Legal Authority to Access Resident’s Funds. You have asserted
        that the Representative has legal access to and control over the
        Resident’s income, assets, personal and real property, and resources,
        including but not limited to, social security, pension or retirement
        funds, annuities, insurance, bank accounts, and mutual funds
        (collectively, “Resources”); and You understand that Vancrest is
        entering into this Agreement in reliance on that assertion. (Emphasis
        added.)

(Emphasis sic.) (Appellant’s Reply Brief at 7, quoting Doc. No. 23, Ex. A).11 In

support of its argument, Vancrest directs us to interrogatory responses of

Mullenhour “demonstrat[ing] that [Mullenhour] asserted that she did not have

control of her mother’s finances, that she did not know who else had control of her

mother’s finances, and that she did not even know what assets her mother owned at

the date of admission.” (Id., citing Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 71-80). (See also Plaintiff’s

Exs. 5, 6).

11
  Although we are expressing no opinion as to the propriety of this provision of the agreement, we again
note that there may be a cognizable argument pertaining to the provision under the Nursing Home Reform
Act.

                                                 -18-
Case No. 1-18-59

       {¶25} However, contrary to Vancrest’s argument, we are not convinced that

this evidence reflects that Mullenhour fraudulently misrepresented anything

regarding Hohlbein’s “Resources”—that is, this evidence is not some competent,

credible evidence that Mullenhour (1) knowingly (or with such utter disregard as to

whether it is true or false that knowledge may be inferred) made any false

representation or (2) made any false representation with the intent of misleading

Vancrest into relying on it. Compare McGee, 2017 WL 715756, at *9 (concluding

that the nursing facility failed to prove that “McGee knew at the time he completed

the financial disclosure form that the information regarding his mother’s financial

condition was untrue”). Mullenhour testified on cross-examination that she had

access to Hohlbein’s “assets,” and that she agreed to pay Vancrest from her mother’s

“assets.” (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 69). Although Mullenhour testified that she responded

“no” to interrogatories asking whether she “controlled [her] mother’s finances

during her stay at Vancrest,” she clarified that her response meant that she had a

“power of attorney for her, [she] did not control her finances.” (Id. at 71-72);

(Plaintiff’s Exs. 5, 6). (See also Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 73). She further testified that

she answered the interrogatories truthfully. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 75).

       {¶26} Moreover, Vancrest refutes its own argument with its assertion that

Mullenhour “did not even know what assets her mother owned at the date of

admission.” (Appellant’s Reply Brief at 7, citing Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 78-79). Indeed,

                                        -19-
Case No. 1-18-59

Mullenhour testified that she did not know what “Resources” her mother had at the

time of her admission. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 78-79, 92). See McGee, 2017 WL
715756, at *9. In particular, she testified that she did not know that Hohlbein had

an annuity at the time she was admitted to Vancrest. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 79).

Therefore, we conclude that there is no evidence in the record that Mullenhour

knowingly (or with such utter disregard as to whether it is true or false that

knowledge may be inferred) made any false representation or that Mullenhour made

any false representation with the intent of misleading Vancrest into relying on it.

Accordingly, for these reasons, we conclude that the trial court did not err by

dismissing Vancrest’s fraudulent-misrepresentation claim.

                           Fraudulent Misappropriation

       {¶27} Turning to Vancrest’s fraudulent-misappropriation claim, we likewise

conclude that the trial court did not err by dismissing it. Under its fraudulent-

misappropriation claim, Vancrest argues that Mullenhour violated the Ohio

Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“UFTA”), codified under R.C. Chapter 1336,

when “the annuity was effectively transferred by an operation of law to

[Mullenhour] despite the existence of a known creditor.” (Appellant’s Brief at 17).

       {¶28} Ohio’s UFTA “creates a right of action for a creditor to set aside a

fraudulent transfer of assets to the extent necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim.”

Kingston of Miamisburg LLC v. Jeffery, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28087, 2019-

                                         -20-
Case No. 1-18-59

Ohio-1905, ¶ 17, citing UAP-Columbus JV326132 v. Young, 10th Dist. Franklin No.

09AP-646, 2010-Ohio-485, ¶ 25. See also R.C. 1336.07. Under Ohio’s UFTA,

“‘fraud is imputed to the debtor when the statutory elements have been met.’”

Jeffery at ¶ 17, quoting In re Youngstown Osteopathic Hosp. Assn., 280 B.R. 400,

408 (Bankr.N.D.Ohio 2002), citing Comer v. Calim, 128 Ohio App. 3d 599, 606 (1st

Dist.1998).

       {¶29} “‘The Ohio [UFTA] provides various ways in which a creditor can

prove that a debtor’s transfer of property was fraudulent.’” Id. at ¶ 17, quoting

DiBlasio v. Sinclair, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 08-MA-23, 2012-Ohio-5848, ¶ 34.

The Ohio UFTA’s “key operative provisions are R.C. 1336.04 and R.C. 1336.05.”

Id. “[I]rrespective of when the debt arose, a creditor may prove that the contested

asset transfer met the R.C. 1336.04(A) elements, and, thus, was a fraudulent transfer

as defined by this provision.” Id., citing E. Savs. Bank v. Bucci, 7th Dist. Mahoning

No. 08 MA 28, 2008-Ohio-6363, ¶ 93 and In re Youngstown Osteopathic Hosp.

Assn. at 408-409. “As to a debt that existed when the debtor made the contested

asset transfer, a creditor may prove that the transfer met the R.C. 1336.05(A)

elements, and, thus, was a fraudulent transfer as statutorily defined.” Id., citing

Bucci at ¶ 93.

       {¶30} Vancrest argues that it is entitled to recovery only under R.C. 1336.04,

which sets forth a provision for actual fraud as well as a provision for constructive

                                        -21-
Case No. 1-18-59

fraud. However, because it is the only provision under which Vancrest asserts that

it is entitled to recovery, we will address only whether it presented the sufficient

quantum of evidence of actual fraud under R.C. 1336.04(A)(1).

       R.C. 1336.04(A)(1) provides as follows:

       (A) A transfer made or an obligation incurred by a debtor is
       fraudulent as to a creditor, whether the claim of the creditor arose
       before, or within a reasonable time not to exceed four years after, the
       transfer was made or the obligation was incurred, if the debtor made
       the transfer or incurred the obligation in either of the following ways:

       (1) With actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor of the
       debtor.

“While the creditor seeking to set aside a transfer as fraudulent has the ultimate

burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, the debtor’s intent pursuant

to R.C. 1336.04(A)(1), Ohio has recognized that proof of actual intent will often be

impossible to procure.” Blood v. Nofzinger, 162 Ohio App. 3d 545, 2005-Ohio-

3859, ¶ 36 (6th Dist.), citing Wagner v. Galipo, 97 Ohio App. 3d 302, 309 (8th

Dist.1994), citing Stein v. Brown, 18 Ohio St. 3d 305, 308 (1985).           See also

Aristocrat Lakewood Nursing Home v. Mayne, 133 Ohio App. 3d 651, 673 (8th

Dist.1999), fn. 23. “Thus, direct evidence of fraudulent intent is not essential.”

Blood at ¶ 36, citing Galipo at 309. “A creditor may still establish a debtor’s actual

fraudulent intent if the circumstances demonstrate ‘badges of fraud.’” Id. The

traditional “badges of fraud,” which accompany actual fraudulent intent are

statutorily defined:

                                        -22-
Case No. 1-18-59

      (B) In determining actual intent under division (A)(1) of this section,
      consideration may be given to all relevant factors, including, but not
      limited to, the following:

      (1) Whether the transfer or obligation was to an insider;

      (2) Whether the debtor retained possession or control of the property
      transferred after the transfer;

      (3) Whether the transfer or obligation was disclosed or concealed;

      (4) Whether before the transfer was made or the obligation was
      incurred, the debtor had been sued or threatened with suit;

      (5) Whether the transfer was of substantially all of the assets of the
      debtor;

      (6) Whether the debtor absconded;

      (7) Whether the debtor removed or concealed assets;

      (8) Whether the value of the consideration received by the debtor
      was reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset transferred or the
      amount of the obligation incurred;

      (9) Whether the debtor was insolvent or became insolvent shortly
      after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred;

      (10) Whether the transfer occurred shortly before or shortly after a
      substantial debt was incurred;

      (11) Whether the debtor transferred the essential assets of the
      business to a lienholder who transferred the assets to an insider of the
      debtor.

R.C. 1336.04(B).

      {¶31} Consideration of actual intent is not limited to the statutory factors;

rather, actual intent is determined from the facts and circumstances of each case.

                                       -23-
Case No. 1-18-59

Blood at ¶ 49, citing R.C. 1336.04(B), Mayne at 665, and Sanderson Farms, Inc. v.

Gasbarro, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 01AP-461, 2004-Ohio-1460, ¶ 41. “If the party

alleging fraud is able to demonstrate a sufficient number of ‘badges,’ an inference

of actual fraud arises and the burden then shifts to the defendant to prove that the

transfer was not fraudulent.” Id., citing Baker & Sons Equip. Co. v. GSO Equip.

Leasing, Inc., 87 Ohio App. 3d 644, 650 (10th Dist.1993), Mayne at 662, and Abood

v. Nemer, 128 Ohio App. 3d 151 (9th Dist.1998).

       {¶32} Contrary to Vancrest’s contention that the trial court “made no specific

reference to this cause of action, * * * other than to state that [Fairchild] had no

knowledge of a misappropriation of funds,” Vancrest ignores the trial court’s

finding (based on the evidence presented by Vancrest) that Mullenhour “was not

personally liable out of her own money to pay the bill.” (Appellant’s Brief at 16-

17); (Doc. No. 43). The trial court’s finding that Mullenhour was not personally

liable for Hohlbein’s bill is supported by some, competent credible evidence. In

other words, Vancrest did not present any evidence that Mullenhour is a debtor

within the meaning of R.C. Chapter 1336. Compare McGee, 332 Conn. at 17

(clarifying “that the CUFTA claim in this appeal does not allege that the

defendant/agent is personally liable on the claim (i.e., the debt for [his mother’s]

nursing home services) and hence legally is the debtor”). Ohio’s UFTA defines

“debtor” as “a person who is liable on a claim.” R.C. 1336.01(F). The Ohio UFTA

                                        -24-
Case No. 1-18-59

defines “claim” as “a right to payment, whether or not the right is reduced to

judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured,

disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured.” R.C. 1336.01(C).

        {¶33} Here, Vancrest did not present any evidence that Mullenhour is liable

on a claim—that is, Vancrest did not present any evidence that Mullenhour is

personally liable for Hohlbein’s nursing-facility bill. See Arrow Uniform Rental,

L.P. v. Longazel, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 91536, 2009-Ohio-868, ¶ 47 (concluding

“that none of the defendants in this case were a ‘debtor’ of Arrow”); McGee, 332
Conn. at 17. Rather, it presented evidence that Mullenhour declined to be personally

liable for Hohlbein’s debt. (See Doc. No. 23, Ex. A); (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 25-26,

69). (See also Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at 47). Indeed, Fairchild testified that Hohlbein,

who was competent at the time, executed the agreement in her individual capacity,

and (as we previously addressed) Mullenhour executed the agreement as Hohlbein’s

“Representative” in her capacity as Hohlbein’s attorney in fact. (Oct. 4, 2018 Tr. at

32-33, 36-37). See Presbyterian Med. Ctr. v. Budd, 2003 PA Super. 323, 832 A.2d
1066, ¶ 17, 19.          Therefore, based on the evidence presented by Vancrest,

Hohlbein—not Mullenhour—is the debtor of Vancrest within the meaning of R.C.

Chapter 1336.12 See McGee, 332 Conn. at 18, 23. See also Arrow at ¶ 47-48; Budd

at ¶ 21.

12
  Hohlbein—the debtor—is not a party to this case. Accordingly, we need not address whether the law of
agency applies. See Geriatrics Inc. v. McGee, 332 Conn. 1, 4-5, 17-18, 23, ___ A.3d ___ (2019).

                                                -25-
Case No. 1-18-59

       {¶34} Moreover, Vancrest did not present any evidence that Mullenhour

caused Hohlbein’s annuity to transfer; rather, the evidence is clear that the annuity

transferred by operation of law to Mullenhour’s father upon Hohlbein’s death in

accordance with the terms of the annuity as negotiated by the Hohlbeins. (Oct. 4,

2018 Tr. at 88-89). Indeed, Mullenhour testified that she did not speak with a

representative from the company that managed the annuity until after Hohlbein’s

death, and her purpose for contacting the company at that time was to notify it that

her mother had died. (Id. at 89). Here, the annuity did not transfer to Mullenhour

until her father’s death. (Id. at 88-89). In other words, there is no evidence of any

intent (on the part of Mullenhour as the second transferee) that can be imputed to

Hohlbein (the debtor). Compare Schempp v. Lucre Mgt. Group, LLC, 18 P.3d 762,

765 (Colo.App.2000) (concluding that “the intent of the transferee can be imputed

to the debtor when the transferee is in a position to dominate or control the

disposition of the debtor’s property” for purposes of Colorado’s UFTA); Mayne at

663-667 (discussing the transfers initiated by Mayne to herself as evidence “to raise

a question of fact under R.C. 1336.04(A)(1) concerning the existence of actual intent

to hinder, delay, or defraud the nursing home as a future creditor in the case at bar”).

See McGee, 332 Conn. at 23. Likewise, Fairchild testified that she did not have any

knowledge whether Mullenhour misappropriated any of Hohlbein’s assets. (Id. at

34).

                                         -26-
Case No. 1-18-59

       {¶35} Accordingly, based on the facts and circumstances presented by this

case, there is no competent, credible evidence in the record that Mullenhour

qualifies as a “debtor” for purposes of R.C. Chapter 1336. See McGee, 332 Conn.

at 17, 23; Woodard v. Funderburk, 846 So. 2d 363, 366 (Ala. App.2002) (concluding

that “the transferor/attorney-in-fact * * * was not [the] ‘debtor’ within the meaning

of the Alabama [UFTA]”); Hutchison v. Trilogy Health Servs., LLC, 2 N.E.3d 802,

807 (Ind.App.2014) (noting that “the facts of this case stand in contrast to a situation

in which a son or daughter possessed a power of attorney over the parent’s financial

affairs, or where that adult child misappropriated his or her parent’s bank account

funds rather than pay the nursing home facility”), citing Sunrise Healthcare Corp.

v. Azarigian, 76 Conn.App. 800, 821 A.2d 835, 837 (2003). See also Budd at ¶ 21;

Folmar & Assocs. LLP v. Holberg, 776 So. 2d 112, 117, (Ala.2000) (concluding that

“Holberg’s claims are missing one essential element for a cause of action pursuant

to the Alabama [UFTA]: The transfer of property by the debtor.”), overruled on

other grounds, White Sands Group, L.L.C. v. PRS II, LLC, 32 So. 3d 5 (Ala.2009);

Methodist Manor Health Center, Inc. v. Py, 307 Wis. 2d 501, 515, 746 N.W.2d 824

(2008) (rejecting an argument to extend Wisconsin’s UFTA to create liability of an

attorney in fact who is not a debtor within the meaning of the statute). For these

reasons, we conclude that the trial court did not err by dismissing Vancrest’s

fraudulent-misappropriation claim.

                                         -27-
Case No. 1-18-59

                                  Unjust Enrichment

       {¶36} Finally, Vancrest argues that the trial court erred by dismissing its

unjust-enrichment claim after concluding that it “did not prove that Mrs.

Mullenhour was unjustly enriched.” (Doc. No. 43). Vancrest contends that the trial

court improperly dismissed its unjust-enrichment claim because (1) its unjust-

enrichment claim is an alternative claim to its breach-of-contract claim and (2)

because it presented undisputed evidence that it “provided a significant benefit to

[Mullenhour] by providing services for a loved member of her family.”

(Appellant’s Reply Brief at 9).

       {¶37} “Unjust enrichment is an equitable doctrine based on a quasi-contract

rather than contract law.” Smith Clinic v. Savage, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-12-40,

2013-Ohio-748, ¶ 30, citing Homan, Inc. v. A1 AG Servs., L.L.C., 125 Ohio App. 3d
51, 2008-Ohio-277, ¶ 21 (3d Dist.). See also Hummel v. Hummel, 133 Ohio St. 520,

525-528 (1938). “Unjust enrichment occurs under Ohio law ‘when a party retains

money or benefits which in justice and equity belong to another.’” Padula v.

Wagner, 9th Dist. Summit No. 27509, 2015-Ohio-2374, ¶ 47, quoting Liberty Mut.

Ins. Co. v. Indus. Commn. of Ohio, 40 Ohio St. 3d 109, 111 (1988), quoting Stan-

Clean of Lexington, Inc. v. Stanley Steemer Internatl., Inc., 2 Ohio App. 3d 129, 131

(10th Dist.1981). To prevail on an unjust-enrichment claim, a plaintiff must prove:

“‘(1) a benefit conferred by a plaintiff upon a defendant, (2) knowledge by the

                                        -28-
Case No. 1-18-59

defendant of the benefit, and (3) retention of the benefit by the defendant under

circumstances in which it would be unjust to do so without payment.’” Savage at ¶

30, quoting Warneck v. Chaney, 194 Ohio App. 3d 459, 2011-Ohio-3007, ¶ 21 (3d

Dist.), citing City Rentals, Inc. v. Kesler, 191 Ohio App. 3d 474, 2010-Ohio-6264, ¶

12 (3d Dist.), citing Hambleton v. R.G. Barry Corp., 12 Ohio St. 3d 179, 183 (1984).

       {¶38} “Ohio law does not permit recovery under the theory of unjust

enrichment when an express contract covers the same subject.” Padula at ¶ 48,

citing Ullmann v. May, 147 Ohio St. 468 (1947), paragraph four of the syllabus, and

Wochna v. Mancino, 9th Dist. Medina No. 07CA0059-M, 2008-Ohio-996, ¶ 18. See

also Savage at ¶ 30 (“This Court has previously held that ‘the doctrine of unjust

enrichment cannot apply when an express contract exists.’”), quoting Nationwide

Mutual Fire Insurance Co. v. Delacruz, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-10-17, 2010-Ohio-

6068, ¶ 21, citing Bickham v. Standley, 183 Ohio App. 3d 422, 2009-Ohio-3530, ¶

14 (3d Dist.).

       {¶39} In its second amended complaint, Vancrest alleged that it is entitled to

recovery under the theory of unjust enrichment because it “provided healthcare

services and support to Wanda Hohlbein”; that Mullenhour “knew and accepted the

benefit of the services and support of [sic] provided to her mother”; and that

       [i]t would be unjust and inequitable to allow [Mullenhour] to retain
       the benefit of the services provided to her mother, Wanda Hohlbein,
       and permit her to retain the remaining funds of Wanda Hohlbein
       without directing those funds to [Vancrest] for the remaining balance.

                                        -29-
Case No. 1-18-59

(Doc. No. 23). As an essential element of a claim for unjust enrichment, Vancrest

was required to prove that it conferred a benefit upon Mullenhour. See Wadsworth

Pointe Health Care Group, Inc. v. Baglia, 9th Dist. Medina No. 17CA0064-M,

2018-Ohio-1978, ¶ 22, citing Chaffee Chiropractic Clinic, Inc. v. Stiffler, 9th Dist.

Wayne No. 16AP0033, 2017-Ohio-7790, ¶ 24. However, similar to the facts

presented to our sister appellate district in Baglia, Vancrest’s second amended

complaint alleges only that Mullenhour obtained the benefit and value of nursing

care services and support rendered to Hohlbein. Compare id. (“However, the

complaint alleges only that Ms. Baglia obtained the benefit and value of nursing

care and residence rendered to her mother.”). See also McGee, 2017 WL 715756,

at *7 (addressing a nursing facility’s unjust-enrichment claim and concluding that

the nursing facility “failed to prove that it conferred any benefit directly upon [the

resident’s son]. Rather, the services for which [the nursing facility] seeks recovery

are for benefits conferred directly upon” the resident). Here, Vancrest “did not

allege any basis other than the admission agreement for holding [Mullenhour]

personally liable for the benefit of services conferred, not on [Mullenhour], but on

her mother.” Baglia at ¶ 22. See also Three-C Body Shops, Inc. v. Nationwide Mut.

Fire Ins. Co., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 16AP-748, 2017-Ohio-1462, ¶ 27 (upholding

the dismissal of an unjust-enrichment claim after concluding that “the connection

between Three-C and Nationwide is too indirect to constitute a ‘benefit conferred’

                                        -30-
Case No. 1-18-59

for purposes of a common law claim of unjust enrichment”), citing Johnson v.

Microsoft Corp., 106 Ohio St. 3d 278, 2005-Ohio-4985, ¶ 20; Directory Servs.

Group v. Staff Builders Intern., Inc., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 78611, 2001 WL
792715, *2 (rejecting the plaintiff’s unjust-enrichment claim based on an allegation

of an indirect benefit conferred on the defendant).

       {¶40} On appeal, although Vancrest contends that its unjust-enrichment

claim is an alternative claim to its breach-of-contract claim, it nevertheless argues

that it is entitled to recover from Mullenhour under the theory of unjust enrichment

based on the provisions of the agreement. (See Appellant’s Brief at 18). Vancrest’s

argument confuses the distinction between the existence of a contract and the ability

to recover under a contract. Compare Baglia at ¶ 24 (noting that the nursing-

facility’s “argument appears to obscure the distinction between the existence of a

contract and the ability to recover on a contract”). Importantly, as we previously

addressed, there is no dispute that Mullenhour expressly declined personal liability

for the charges and fees associated with the services provided to Hohlbein as a

resident of Vancrest. See id. at ¶ 23. Even though there may be circumstances under

which a party may be able to assert a claim for recovery under a theory of unjust

enrichment where no valid agreement exists, “Ohio law does not permit [Vancrest]

to maintain an equitable claim for unjust enrichment as a fail-safe in the event that

it does not recover on its contract claim.” Id. at ¶ 24, citing Wochna at ¶ 18.

                                        -31-
Case No. 1-18-59

Therefore, because Mullenhour’s relationship with Vancrest is governed by an

express agreement regarding the subject matter of the claim, Vancrest “‘may not

invoke equity’ to circumvent the admission agreement declaring the financial

obligations and responsibilities of [Mullenhour].” Id., citing Padula at ¶ 50. See

also Savage, 2013-Ohio-748, at ¶ 30. Accordingly, the trial court did not err by

dismissing Vancrest’s unjust-enrichment claim.

       {¶41} In sum, we note that Vancrest had a remedy for the outstanding

balance on Hohlbein’s account; however, it chose not to pursue that remedy. See

Budd, 2003 PA Super. 323, 832 A.2d 1066, at ¶ 21 (noting that the nursing-facility’s

claim was an issue to be “raised in Orphan’s Court during an accounting of Mother’s

estate”). However, for the reasons discussed in this opinion, Vancrest is without the

remedy it wants to have and now seeks. See Meadowbrook Ctr., Inc. v. Buchman,

149 Conn.App. 177, 222, 90 A.3d 219 (2014) (Schaller, J., concurring) (noting that

the nursing facility “was not without a remedy for the defendant’s breach but,

instead, is simply without the remedy it wants to have and now seeks”).

       {¶42} Therefore, we conclude that the trial court did not err by dismissing

Vancrest’s complaint and its assignments of error are overruled.

                                        -32-
Case No. 1-18-59

       {¶43} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the

particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

                                                               Judgment Affirmed

PRESTON and WILLAMOWSKI, J.J., concur.

/jlr

                                        -33-