Widow claims husband died of seizures while incarcerated, sues St. Clair County

A widow is suing St. Clair County and several officials, alleging her husband died as a result of seizures while incarcerated.

Kelli Sifuentes, as special administrator of the estate of Juan Sifuentes, filed a lawsuit on May 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the County of St. Clair; Office of the Sheriff of St. Clair County; Richard Watson in his capacity as Sheriff of St. Clair County; Wexford Health Sources Inc.; and Dr. Larson, alleging negligence in a May 2014 incident.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was incarcerated on or about May 13, 2014, by the County of St. Clair, whose duty it was to provide medical services including medications, to Juan Sifuentes.

The plaintiff claims that one of the defendants failed to administer prescription medicine, including alprazolam, while the decedent was confined. The decedent suffered seizures as a result, which led to his death, the suit states.

Sifuentes claims the defendants' negligence caused her grief, sorrow and permanent damages to the decedent’s next of kin, who have been deprived of his companionship, comfort, guidance, counsel, love and support. In addition to his wife, the decedent is survived by three children.

The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.

She is represented by Joseph Bartholomew and Michael Garavalia of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-278