Clinton County Rehab Center, a group home
The sister of a man who died choking on peanut butter bread at the Clinton County Rehabilitation Center filed suit Nov. 21 in St. Clair County Circuit Court seeking “all damages allowable in the process.”
Rosemarie Wiegers claims the piece of bread became lodged in her brother's throat causing asphyxia. Joseph Rouch died at the Breese facility on Nov. 20, 2003.
“Joseph incurred undue pain, suffering, discomfort, fright, humiliation, mental and emotional distress, serious injuries to his respiratory system, heart, lungs and other parts of his body, and otherwise needless medical expenses relating to his advancing condition which resulted from the carelessness and negligence of the defendant,” according to the complaint.
Wiegers claims Clinton County Rehabilitation Center failed to exercise reasonable care in feeding its participants, keep accurate instruction sheets regarding Joseph’s choking history, monitor him while he was eating or provide him a proper meal.
The complaint also states that Joseph’s next of kin are entitled to “fair and just compensation with reference to pecuniary injuries resulting from his death.”
Wiegers is represented by Thomas Cannady of Belleville.
05 L 677 (20th Circuit)