08/19/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, IL – August 6, 2024 – In a case that sheds light on severe breaches of trust and care, trial attorneys Craig Brown, Peter Flowers, Jonathan Mincieli, and Lauren Edmunds of Meyers & Flowers, along with Kevin Frost of Clark Frost Zucchi, have filed a lawsuit against Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. This suit stems from the repeated sexual assault of their client, identified as Jane Doe, while she was a patient at the facility.
The Timberline Knolls scandal underscores the importance of proper protocols in residential treatment centers, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. Timberline Knolls, known for specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders for women and adolescent girls, failed to meet its critical duty of care by allowing the repeated assault of a patient under its supervision. This tragic event highlights the need for more stringent policies and protection in such institutions.
Timberline Knolls Sexual Assault Case: A Facility's Failure to Protect
Jane Doe, a 24-year-old woman with a history of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, voluntarily admitted herself to Timberline Knolls in May 2024 to seek help for suicidal ideation. While undergoing treatment in the facility’s residential program, she was instead subjected to sexual abuse by a facility employee. The sexual assault at Timberline Knolls occurred multiple times, shattering the trust Doe had placed in the facility to safeguard her well-being.
The lawsuit details how a Timberline Knolls employee, entrusted with monitoring and escorting patients, took advantage of his position of authority. In a chilling violation of trust, he isolated Doe under false pretenses and raped her on three separate occasions. Despite Doe's roommate reporting the incidents to staff after the second assault, the facility failed to protect Doe from the employee, who continued to have unrestricted access to her.
Seeking Accountability for a Series of Failures
The lawsuit against Timberline Knolls highlights numerous failures in protecting patients from sexual misconduct. Meyers & Flowers, along with Clark Frost Zucchi, argue that Timberline Knolls neglected to implement the necessary safeguards, policies, and training to prevent such horrific events from occurring.
Specific allegations include:
- Failure to enforce mandatory sexual assault prevention policies.
- Inadequate employee training regarding patient safety.
- Insufficient supervision of employees who interact with vulnerable patients.
- Failure to act on reports of sexual assault, resulting in continued harm to the patient.
Attorney Brown emphasized, “This case is a glaring example of Timberline Knolls’ failure to protect one of its most vulnerable patients. Our client entered the facility seeking mental health treatment but instead suffered unimaginable trauma and abuse.”
Furthermore, Attorney Edmunds noted, "This isn’t the first time accusations of sexual assault at Timberline Knolls have surfaced. Despite previous allegations, the facility failed to take the necessary steps to prevent these kinds of incidents, leaving our client exposed to a dangerous situation."
History of Sexual Misconduct at Timberline Knolls
Over the years, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, with various claims involving inappropriate behavior and abuse by staff members. Several former residents have come forward with lawsuits and complaints, alleging that they were subjected to sexual and emotional abuse while seeking care. These incidents often involved vulnerable individuals battling mental health challenges or substance abuse, who were exploited by those responsible for their protection and treatment.
In June 2024, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a comprehensive report outlining widespread abuse within residential treatment centers run by major healthcare providers, including Acadia Healthcare, the parent company of Timberline Knolls. The report uncovered alarming instances of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, unsafe conditions, and neglect across many facilities, drawing attention to systemic issues within the industry.
In another case from 2019, Mike Jacksa, a counselor at Timberline Knolls, was charged with sexually abusing six female patients. Despite the severe nature of the allegations, the facility delayed contacting law enforcement for three weeks. During that time, Jacksa was suspended and reinstated twice as internal investigations were conducted. After police intervention, Jacksa was suspended a third time and ultimately dismissed. According to reports, Timberline staff discovered a patient's journal documenting sexual encounters with Jacksa but questioned the patient about the incidents in his presence. This confrontation caused the patient significant emotional distress, leading to a self-harm attempt and hospitalization. Best practices for handling reports of sexual misconduct emphasize that survivors should never be required to relive their trauma in front of their abuser, raising concerns about the facility's failure to follow established protocols.
These incidents point to a troubling pattern of negligence and misconduct at Timberline Knolls, where vulnerable patients were further put at risk by those entrusted with their care.
A Call for Justice
The Timberline Knolls scandal has sent shockwaves through the mental health treatment community, raising critical questions about the safety of vulnerable patients in residential treatment centers. The lawsuit seeks to hold the facility accountable for its negligent actions and to secure justice for Jane Doe. The case also aims to set a precedent for the industry, ensuring that mental health facilities take more robust measures to protect their patients from abuse.
Meyers & Flowers and Clark Frost Zucchi remain committed to seeking justice for Jane Doe and preventing such tragedies from recurring at Timberline Knolls or any other residential treatment facility.
Illinois Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
For Adult Victims
- Criminal Cases: There is generally no statute of limitations for filing criminal charges for sexual assault or sexual abuse in Illinois. This change was implemented in 2017, eliminating time restrictions for prosecuting these crimes.
- Civil Cases: Adult victims of sexual abuse typically have two years from the date of the assault or abuse to file a civil lawsuit. However, if the abuse occurred while the victim was a minor, the timeframe for filing a claim is different.
For Child/Minor Victims
- Criminal Cases: In cases involving minors, there is no statute of limitations for bringing criminal charges in Illinois.
- Civil Cases: Illinois allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit until they turn 54 years old or within 20 years of discovering the abuse or the harm it caused, whichever comes later. This extended period gives survivors more time to seek justice once they realize the impact of the abuse on their lives.
Impact of Discovery Rule
In some instances, the statute of limitations may be extended if the victim only later discovers the abuse's impact on their mental health or well-being. This discovery rule allows survivors to file claims based on when they became aware of the harm caused by the abuse.
Survivors or their families should consult an attorney to understand how the specific circumstances of their case may impact the applicable statute of limitations.
About Meyers & Flowers
Led by Peter J. Flowers, an Illinois Top 100 Super Lawyer and former President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Meyers & Flowers has a long-standing reputation for fighting for justice in cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, sexual abuse, medical malpractice, and other forms of negligence. With a proven track record of success in high-profile cases, the firm is dedicated to standing up for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
If you or a loved one has experienced similar mistreatment at Timberline Knolls or any other facility, contact Meyers & Flowers today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 630-576-9696 or click here to contact us.
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