Estate of B.I.C. v. Gillen

HARTZ, Circuit Judge.

Brooklyn Coons (called “Brook” by her estate) died from being shaken and possibly struck on the head while in the care of her father’s girlfriend. Her estate, the remaining plaintiff in this case, alleges that Defendant Linda Gillen, a social worker, knew that Brook was in danger and subject to abuse but did not respond to reports of the abuse, increasing Brook’s vulnerability to danger. The estate sued Defendant under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violating Brook’s right to substantive due process. The district court granted Defendant summary judgment, holding that she was…