A 41-year-old man with intellectual and developmental disabilities, James Stewart, tragically died in Ohio after suffering severe bowel obstruction caused by over a month without passing stool, which accumulated to more than 20 pounds (around 9 kilograms). Stewart’s family has filed a lawsuit against the care facility, alleging negligence.
According to reports, Stewart was under the care of a facility in Bazetta, Ohio. He had a history of constipation, worsened by medications with gastrointestinal side effects. Over several weeks, he reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain, swelling, and behavioral changes, but facility staff allegedly failed to notify a doctor or inform his family.
On November 15, 2024, Stewart went into a coma due to intestinal blockage and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Emergency responders noted his abdomen was visibly discolored, distended, and extremely hard. The autopsy revealed a hardened mass of feces weighing over 20 pounds obstructing his colon, causing intestinal perforation and fatal gas buildup in the abdominal cavity.
Stewart’s family, through their lawyer, stated that had the facility followed his individual care plan, this tragedy could have been prevented. They are pursuing legal action to hold the care home accountable and ensure better patient protection in the future.
This case highlights the critical importance of proper monitoring and timely medical intervention for individuals with disabilities, especially those prone to severe side effects from medications.
