Lawsuit Filed After Developmentally Disabled Man Dies at Care Facility Parking Lot

Gomez Trial Attorneys has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stepping Stone Resources following the death of a 53-year-old man with developmental disabilities in the facility's parking lot. The family of Ryan Radabaugh alleges negligence, claiming the tragedy could have been prevented.

The lawsuit was announced Tuesday in Fallbrook, where lead attorney John Gomez and his team stood with the Radabaugh family. The complaint alleges that Stepping Stone Resources failed to adequately protect Radabaugh, despite having a prior warning involving the same parking lot area.

Radabaugh had autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. He was known to seek out warm surfaces, including asphalt. According to the lawsuit, Radabaugh entered the facility's parking lot unsupervised on July 23, 2026. Later that morning, a vehicle driven by a Stepping Stone employee struck him, causing fatal injuries.

Attorneys state the facility was aware of a similar incident approximately 13 months prior. Another client was found unsupervised in the same parking lot, and the incident was reported to social services. The family and their lawyers argue this should have prompted enhanced safety measures, such as increased supervision or physical barriers.

The lawsuit names Stepping Stone Resources, its administrator, and an employee. The family is seeking damages for the loss of Radabaugh's companionship and support, as well as other legal remedies, including punitive damages.