Family of James Stewart claim staff at a group home knew about his condition and that they did not pay attention to him when he complained about feeling constipated
A man died from severe constipation with 1.4st of impacted faeces stuck in his bowels after he was unable to poo for a month.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by James Stewart’s family who said the 41-year-old’s death was “entirely avoidable.” It was claimed staff working at the group home where James lived had ignored warning signs, including a swollen belly and unusual behaviour, before his death on November 15, 2024.
The lawsuit said James “had not had a bowel movement anywhere from several weeks to as long as a month.” They filed the lawsuit against Clear Skies Ahead in Bazetta Township, in Ohio.
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James lived in a group home due to needing daily supervision and assistance. He also had “intellectual and/or developmental disabilities” and a known “history of constipation,” a document seen by the Independent said. James had been taking medicine that resulted in severe side effects in his digestive system. His family praised his love of music, swimming and sporting events.
The lawsuit claimed staff ignored James’ complaints about constipation. Staff reportedly noticed James was unwell and had been behaving unusually in the days leading up to his death.
The lawsuit described James as “despondent, low energy, and complaining of pain.” His stomach was swollen and there was reportedly bruising on his abdomen.
Attorney Matt Mooney, who represents the family said James’ condition and history of constipation was known to Clear Skies Ahead staff. He told 21News: “They should have been paying close attention to whether James was having bowel movements, and they just weren’t.
“This was something that was on their radar. They knew about it. They still weren’t paying attention to it.” On November 15, a member of staff reportedly told James to “sit on the toilet” but could not poo.
He was later found collapsed in his bedroom and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Mirror has contacted Clear Skies Ahead for comment.
