A tragic case has emerged involving the death of a man under the care of a rehabilitation facility, raising serious questions about the institution's practices and oversight. The complaint was filed by Dawn Poole and Michael Cartwright on March 24, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against HealthRight 360 and its CEO Vitka Eisen. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants' negligence led to the wrongful death of their son, Justin Cartwright.
The case details a series of alleged failures by HealthRight 360, a non-profit organization providing detoxification and sober living services. According to the complaint, Justin Cartwright was admitted to HealthRight 360 on December 28, 2023, after agreeing to undergo treatment as a condition set by his mother for him to move to Ireland. Despite being classified as "highly vulnerable" to relapse due to his history with substance use disorders, he experienced multiple overdoses while under the facility's care. On January 14, 2024, Justin suffered a fatal overdose at HealthRight 360’s Walden House facility. His body was discovered in distressing conditions indicative of neglectful monitoring.
The plaintiffs accuse HealthRight 360 and its management of failing to enforce critical safety protocols such as regular drug testing and proper supervision. They argue that these lapses contributed significantly to Justin's untimely death. The complaint also highlights systemic issues within HealthRight 360’s operations, including inadequate staff training and failure to maintain a drug-free environment despite receiving substantial state funding intended for client safety.
Dawn Poole and Michael Cartwright are seeking damages for wrongful death and neglect of a dependent adult under California law. They claim economic losses related to funeral expenses and seek compensation for emotional distress caused by their son's death. Additionally, they request punitive damages against HealthRight 360 for its reckless conduct and deliberate indifference towards clients' welfare.
Represented by attorney Cameron Sehat from The Sehat Law Firm PLC, the plaintiffs demand accountability from those responsible for overseeing Justin's care. This case underscores ongoing concerns about regulatory compliance in rehabilitation facilities tasked with supporting vulnerable individuals battling addiction.
This legal battle will be overseen by judges in the Superior Court of California with Case ID CGC-25-623747.