A recent New York Times investigation has uncovered years of abuse, sexual assault, and neglect at Timberline Knolls, a residential mental health facility located in Lemont, Illinois. The facility, which serves women and adolescent girls struggling with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health issues, is owned and operated by Acadia Healthcare — the nation’s largest chain of behavioral health facilities.
The New York Times investigation revealed that, for years, patients at Timberline Knolls endured serious physical and emotional harm, including multiple allegations of rape, suicide attempts, and medical neglect. Despite years of complaints from families and staff, Timberline Knolls continued to operate with minimal oversight or accountability.
At Meyers & Flowers, our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers represent several survivors who suffered abuse and neglect while under the care of Timberline Knolls. Our legal team is committed to holding Timber Knolls and other responsible parties accountable for the pain and trauma their negligence has caused. This lawsuit seeks justice for all victims who endured harm while under the care of Timberline Knolls and other similar institutions.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse, neglect, or sexual assault at Timberline Knolls or any other mental health facility, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Call us at 630-576-9696 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
-> Read the full New York Times article here: Suicides and Rape at a Prized Mental Health Center – NYT
The Initial Lawsuit
In August of 2024, Meyers & Flowers along with Clark Frost Zucchi filed a lawsuit against Timberline Knolls on behalf of their client, Jane Doe, a 24-year-old patient who was repeatedly raped by a facility employee. Jane sought treatment for bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder at Timberline Knolls in May 2024, expecting a safe environment.
The New York Times states that the lawsuit alleges that Timberline Knolls failed in its duty to protect Doe, who was subjected to sexual assault by an employee while in the care of the facility. The incidents began when the employee took Doe to a private meeting room under false pretenses and sexually assaulted her. He repeated this attack hours later and again a third time. Despite Doe’s attempts to report the incidents, Timberline Knolls failed to take appropriate action, ultimately contributing to further trauma.
As the lawsuit explains, the facility’s failure to act upon the initial reports of sexual assault and its lack of proper employee oversight led to a repeat of these traumatic assaults. Instead of providing support, the facility’s director accused Doe of initiating the abuse, and the facility failed to remove the employee from his position of power over vulnerable patients.
->To learn more about the initial lawsuit filed: Meyers & Flowers Files Lawsuit Against Timberline Knolls for Sexual Assault of Patient