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a wrongful death trial filed against a group home in ohio It is claimed that staff ignored warning signs for several weeks before one resident died from a massive intestinal blockage that became so severe it caused her to lose more than 20 pounds.
James Stewart, 41, who suffered from “intellectual and/or developmental disability” and a known “history of constipation”, was taking medicines It caused serious gastrointestinal side effects, according to the lawsuit seen by Independent.
His family, who filed a complaint against Clear Skies Ahead in Bazetta Township, said he lived at home because he needed daily supervision and assistance.
But last year, according to the lawsuit, the home failed to monitor Stewart’s health, ignored her repeated reports of stomach pain and constipation, and neglected to alert medical providers or relatives when her condition worsened, including by name. Death “Completely avoidable.”
The lawsuit claimed Stewart “did not have a bowel movement for anywhere from several weeks to a month.” Staff reportedly noticed that he was unwell, had a bloated stomach and was behaving abnormally in the days leading up to his death on November 15, 2024.
Stewart suffered severe stomach pain for several days and appeared “depressed, less energetic, and complaining of pain.” Her symptoms were reportedly visible, including bruising on her abdomen “noticeable on any reasonable inspection.”
But despite these signs, the lawsuit claims Clear Skies staff and contracted employees neither informed Stewart’s physician nor informed his family. Independent Clear Skies has been reached out for comment.
In a statement given to Independent, Michael Mooney, an attorney representing the family, said the lawsuit is about accountability.
“Group homes like Clear Skies Ahead are entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable loved ones,” Mooney said. “What happened to James is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when that responsibility is ignored. This lawsuit is about accountability and making sure no other family ever has to endure a similar loss.”
On November 15, the day Stewart died, a staff member reportedly asked him to “sit on the toilet”, but he was unable to have a bowel movement.
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Later that day, Stewart was found unconscious in his bedroom. According to the lawsuit, first responders noted that she had “a discolored line on her abdomen, and her abdomen was significantly distended – or swollen – and hard to the touch”.
Stewart was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Trumbull County coroner determined that his colon was obstructed by a hardened stool that weighed “in excess of 20 pounds”, creating enough internal pressure to cause tension pneumoperitoneum – which occurs when gas is forced through microtears in his intestinal wall.
“This created pressure within his intestines, causing air to escape into his intestinal walls and body cavities, resulting in his death,” Mooney said.
“James didn’t have to die,” he said. “If they had been treated with dignity, respect and under the guidance of their individual service plan by Fairhaven and Clear Skies Ahead, this would never have happened.”
Stewart’s family described him as someone who loved music, swimming, concerts and sporting events.