Bazetta Township, OH – A wrongful death lawsuit now claims that a disabled Ohio man suffered a fatal medical crisis after staff at a group home allegedly ignored his repeated pleas for help, allowing a severe and untreated case of constipation to grow into a life-threatening emergency.
According to the legal complaint filed by the family of 41-year-old James Stewart, he went weeks without a bowel movement while living at the Clear Skies Ahead group home, despite having a long-documented history of chronic constipation and medication-induced digestive issues. His family says the condition ultimately caused a 20-pound fecal impaction that became so extreme it pressured his internal organs and led to his death in November 2024, as reported in information cited from the lawsuit.
Medical Complaints Ignored for Weeks, Lawsuit Says
Stewart, who lived with autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, relied on daily assistance for both health supervision and safety. His family argues that the group home and contracted support provider, Fairhaven Industries, failed to monitor even the most basic medical needs.
The complaint alleges that Stewart repeatedly told staff he had not had a bowel movement “for several weeks to as long as a month,” yet no one escalated his concerns.
“Defendants did nothing for weeks to help James,” the lawsuit claims, calling the death “entirely avoidable.”
Staff allegedly encouraged him to “sit on the toilet” on the very day he died, but he was unable to relieve himself even after trying for an extended period.
Visible Signs of Severe Distress Overlooked
According to the lawsuit, Stewart showed clear and visible symptoms of potentially dangerous constipation, including:
- A rectangular purple bruise across his abdomen
- Severe swelling and distention
- Low energy, despondence, and uncharacteristic behaviour
The family states that Clear Skies Ahead and Fairhaven Industries had no system in place to monitor bowel movements, leading staff to miss that he had gone weeks without one. The complaint further claims that neither Stewart’s physician nor his family was alerted to the escalating symptoms.
Emergency Response and Autopsy Findings
On November 15, 2024, a manager reportedly found Stewart unresponsive and not breathing in his room. First responders noted a discoloured line across his abdomen and rigidity of the stomach area, which can signal dangerous internal pressure.
He was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The autopsy, as described in the complaint, found Stewart’s colon was obstructed by impacted stool weighing more than 20 pounds. The extreme buildup caused tension pneumoperitoneum, a condition in which gas escapes through microtears in the intestines and fills the abdominal cavity. The lawsuit says this pressure damaged his internal organs and led to his death.
Family Seeks Accountability
Attorney Michael Mooney, representing Stewart’s family, criticised the group home’s alleged inaction.
“Group homes like Clear Skies Ahead are entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable loved ones. What happened to James is a heartbreaking reminder of what can occur when that responsibility is ignored,” Mooney said. “This lawsuit is about accountability and ensuring no other family ever endures a loss like this.”
Broader Concerns Over Group Home Oversight
Cases of medical neglect at group homes have raised concerns across several states, with advocates calling for stronger monitoring systems and better staff training. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities often rely on caregivers to notice early warning signs of medical distress, making consistent documentation and timely communication critical.
The Stewart family argues that simple steps—like tracking bowel movements, notifying medical professionals, or responding appropriately to visible symptoms—could have prevented the tragedy.
How Families Can Protect Loved Ones in Care Settings
While the lawsuit moves forward, health advocates encourage families to:
- Request written care plans and confirm that caregivers follow them
- Ask about monitoring systems for medications and side effects
- Ensure staff are trained to recognise medical warning signs
- Schedule regular communication between caregivers and family members
These steps may help prevent dangerous gaps in oversight for vulnerable individuals.
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