Collins v. City of Harker Heights

503 U.S. 115 (1992)

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Collins v. City of Harker Heights

United States Supreme Court
503 U.S. 115 (1992)

DD

Facts

Larry Michael Collins was an employee in the sanitation department of the city of Harker Heights (the city) (defendant). Larry died of asphyxia after entering a manhole. Myra Jo Collins (plaintiff), Larry’s widow, brought suit, contending that the city violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, Myra alleged that the city breached its duty of care by failing to train or warn its employees about the dangers of working in manholes. The district court dismissed the suit, and the court of appeals affirmed the dismissal. Myra appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)

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