Illinois Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) Abuse and Neglect Lawyers

Advocates for the Most Vulnerable.

The Illinois Disabled Person Abuse/Neglect Law Firm

Call for a Free Consultation at (618) 316-7322

E-Mail Us 24/7: olsonreeves@mtvernonlaw.com

Text Us 24/7: (801) 215-9669

Offices:

1015 Broadway, Mt. Vernon, IL
310 S. Elm St, Centralia, IL

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Illinois Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) & Adult Group Home Abuse Lawyers

Developmentally disabled adults are the most vulnerable amongst us, especially ones who live in community-integrated living arrangements (CILA). A CILA is a group home for no more than eight adults. These residents live under the supervision of a staff that helps provide care for the residents. CILAs must obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and prove that the staff can care for the residents. There are currently 10,000 residents with developmental disabilities in over 3,000 CILA facilities in Illinois.

A Disturbing Trend of CILA Abuse & Neglect – Numbers Don’t Lie

Unfortunately, many of these facilities DO NOT have qualified staff, or they have staff who through lack of proper supervision may cause severe injuries for CILA residents or even death. The amount of reports of abuse and neglect in these facilities is staggering.

In 2019, there were 1,341 Allegations of abuse/neglect against CILAs.
In 2020, in only the first months there have already been 927 allegations of abuse/neglect against these facilities.
Currently, of those 927 allegations, 71% of those cases are still pending due to the backlog the State of Illinois is facing.

What is more frightening, is that most of these reports are made by friends and family or outside parties. How many cases of abuse and neglect aren’t reported? Many of these CILA residents are suffering in silence.

For More Information on Illinois Abuse CILA Statistics, Click Here

Types of Abuse & Neglect

Negligence and Abuse can come in a variety of different ways. It is the staff’s duty to offer support to each of the residents. Some common causes of CILA injuries:

Neglect – Is the most common reason that developmentally disabled adults are harmed in CILAs. Neglect can come in many shapes and forms. Illinois Community Integrated Living Arrangement residents are the most vulnerable among us, and this, unfortunately, makes it easier for them to be neglected than others. Some common types of neglect would be unsanitary living conditions, dehydration, choking, malnutrition, and bedsores.
Physical Abuse– This is the most disgusting form of injury at these CILA facilities. It is an unfortunate truth that some staff members abuse these residents. This can be physical abuse, such as striking the residents, as well as sexual abuse.
Inadequate Supervision – Staff members must be qualified and give specialized care to the residents of these facilities. When the staff negligently supervises residents, it can lead to an increased risk of injury and accident. CILA residents can also be hurt by other residents of the facility. This is oftentimes due to a lack of appropriate supervision by the staff members.
Slip & Falls – Many adults with developmental disabilities have mobility issues, which is why they need special care and assistance getting around. Unsupervised attempts in moving around the facility can lead to serious injuries for residents.
Medical Malpractice & Medication Errors – CILAs are frequently long-term health care facilities and can be considered a healthcare provider. Residents of CILAs are owed the same level of medical care that a nursing home resident or even a hospital patient is owed. When a nurse or aid fails to provide adequate medical care, the facility can be held accountable. In addition, giving the wrong prescription medication to residents can have extreme adverse side effects that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Wrongful Death – Any of the aforementioned types of abuse and neglect can potentially lead to the wrongful death of a CILA resident. If a loved one of yours has an untimely passing in one of these facilities, it very well could be due to abuse or neglect.

Friends, Family, & Guardians of Developmentally Disabled Adults – What You Should Know

Need to Report Abuse or Neglect? Click Here for Hotline & Reporting Information.

If you have a friend or loved one living at one of these facilities, there are several things you should know. Always watch for warning signs. If the resident is acting differently around you than normal, such as being quieter, this is a red flag. If your loved one has unexplained marks or bruises, this could also be a sign of abuse. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you should report it immediately. Our CILA attorneys can help assist you in this process as well.

It is also important to know that if an abuse/neglect investigation is opened, there are two potential aspects to it. After a report of suspected abuse or neglect is made to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) opens an investigation. This is purely an administrative process. The OIG will send you a letter with regard to their findings, including whether they believe it was abuse/neglect. This is not a lawsuit. The findings during the administrative process can, however, be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the caretaker and facility.

For More Information on the OIG Investigation Process, Click Here!

The second aspect of an abuse/neglect case is the actual filing of a lawsuit against the caretaker and facility. Unfortunately, many family members don’t know they can even bring a lawsuit against those who caused their loved ones harm. Even if the OIG finds there is no abuse, this DOES NOT mean you are unable to file a lawsuit for the suspected abuse. Many times, the OIG’s findings are incorrect and abuse/neglect did, in fact, occur.

You can download a copy of our Disabled Person Abuse/Neglect Intake Form. You can fill it out and send it back to us to review, or simply use it as a guide to the types of questions you need to be asking.

Click Here to Download Our Intake Form Completely Free!

Resources for Family & Friends

For More Information on Illinois Community Integrated Living Arrangements, and Adult Group Homes, including Providers, Rights of Residents, Laws, and Medicaid Information, follow the link below!

Click Here For Additional CILA Information & Resources.

Illinois CILA Lawyers – How We Can Help

Our Illinois Community Integrated Living Arrangement Attorneys handle cases through the entire State of Illinois. We help friends and family members of developmentally disabled adults and residents of CILA facilities, navigate the administrative reporting process conducted by the IDHS and the Illinois Office of Inspector General. We also file separate civil injury lawsuits against the caregiver and facility where the abuse/neglect occurred, and we hold them accountable for the pain they have caused. Our Injury lawyers have Over a 98% Success Rate.

If you suspect that your family member has been abused or neglected, our Community Integrated Living Arrangement Lawyers will investigate the claim. We have the resources to assist you and have access to highly trained private investigators to help you with your claim.

Our Promise to You. After reaching out to us we always do a Free Case Review. We diligently listen to your story, and then we will investigate your case, also for free. If we can’t help you win your case, you don’t owe us anything.

Contact Us Today for a Case Review!

Consultations and Case Evaluations are Always Free!

Call for a Free Consultation at (618) 316-7322 – Monday to Friday 8:30am -5pm

E-Mail Us Today at olsonreeves@mtvernonlaw.com

Text Us 24/7 at (801) 215-9669