Opinion ID: 1917118
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Genuine Issues Regarding Causation

Text: Case also argues that genuine issues of fact exist regarding whether Case's misconduct caused Amanda any harm. In support of this proposition, Case renews the argument that Amanda and Richmond were essentially estranged before she even intervened. Indeed, Case maintains that it was by no means a for[e]gone conclusion that [Richmond] would be reunited with [Amanda] but for the signing of the relinquishment papers. [25] This may be true, but the argument misses the point. [23] The question at this stage is whether there are genuine issues of material fact. [26] In the summary judgment context, a fact is material only if it would affect the outcome of the case. [27] Proof that Amanda and Richmond would not have reunited even without Case's intervention is not material because, according to Scharf's testimony, the formal relinquishment caused harm to Amanda in and of itself As Scharf testified, the relinquishment harmed Amanda because it contributed to a downward spiral in her social life, not because it reduced the odds that Amanda and Richmond would unite. The only real evidence that might raise a genuine issue of material fact in light of Scharf's testimony would be contrary testimony by another psychological expert. But Case did not present such evidence. Accordingly, it cannot be said that genuine issues of material fact remain regarding the causal relationship between Case's violation of Amanda's rights and the resulting harm to Amanda.