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Skilled CILA Abuse Attorney

Community Integrated Living Arrangements, or CILAs, are designed to be safe, supportive homes for adults with developmental disabilities to live a more independent life. However, instead of independence being a dream come true, many residents experience a nightmare of trauma, abuse, and fear.

CILAs provide independent living under the supervision of a community developmental services agency. Unfortunately, those with disabilities are especially vulnerable to mistreatment, with 35% of staff members reporting witnessing or being involved with a violent incident in a care facility setting, according to one study. 

One’s home should be their safe space, especially when they are trusting caregivers to provide a supportive environment to help them live their life to the fullest. That’s why Spiros Law stands firmly with survivors of CILA facility abuse. We are dedicated to fighting for justice, accountability, and healing for those who have been hurt or taken advantage of.

Conveniently located in Central Illinois, with offices in Champaign, Danville, and Kankakee, our team proudly represents abuse survivors and those who have been seriously injured across the state of Illinois. If you have experienced abuse in a CILA facility, you are not alone – and we are here to help.

Our Offices:

Kankakee, IL: Office | Visit Us

Champaign, IL: Office | Visit Us

Danville, IL: Office | Visit Us

$5,000,000.00 – Sexual Assault Settlement
To stand for justice after a 16-year-old client suffered a horrifying attack from a coworker, we advocated tirelessly to ensure our client’s voice was heard and put up a relentless fight. Our client received a $5,000,000 settlement with terms including key policy changes at the client’s place of work to help protect others in the future. This case provided the client with the financial support needed to help right this egregious wrong and send a powerful message that survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and empowered.

$504,000.00 – Nursing Home Negligence
Female – 93 years old – was a nursing home patient who presented with multiple bruises to her face, arm, back, and wrist while in the care of the nursing home. It was later alleged that she was raped at the facility as well. The plaintiff successfully sued the nursing home on the basis that staff had ignored signs of abuse and the nursing home’s administration failed to alert the police promptly upon learning of the assault. The case settled for the nursing home’s policy limit.

$285,000.00 – Nursing Home Negligence Settlement
After the insurance company tried its hardest to avoid responsibility when our client developed pressure ulcers in a nursing home, we never gave up the fight. At first, the insurance company refused to offer any settlement, but we filed suit on behalf of our client and secured a $285,000 settlement, bringing justice to our client and their family.

$275,000.00 – Nursing Home Negligence
Female – 82 years old – was a nursing home patient who fell and fractured her hip when leaving her room because the nursing home staff had failed to install a bed alarm, contrary to what doctors had ordered. The injury required surgery with an open reduction and internal fixation.

View More Case Results

Table Of Contents

    disabled person with friend

    Do I Have A Personal Injury Claim?


    When you put your trust in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement for yourself or a family member with disabilities, a supportive home is what you expect – not having your trust broken by those there to provide care. 

    Most often, this mistreatment comes from the very people entrusted to care for residents: the staff members. Abuse in CILA facilities – whether physical, emotional, or through neglect – can have catastrophic effects. Neglect is one of the most common forms of abuse in CILA settings, and its impact can be both visible and invisible. From untreated medical conditions to emotional trauma and loss of independence, the effects can change a person’s life forever.

    At Spiros Law, we understand how this betrayal can impact your well-being and quality of life. That’s why we’re committed to standing with survivors and their families every step of the way. Our experienced and compassionate personal injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold abusers and negligent organizations accountable – because you deserve answers, justice, and peace of mind.

    Whether the harm involved serious injuries from physical abuse, negligence, or ongoing emotional suffering, our team is here to listen, investigate, and pursue the full financial compensation you are entitled to. We handle every part of the civil claims process, from filing the case to collecting evidence, so you can focus on healing.

    Let Spiros Law be your advocate. Contact our team today to schedule a free case review. We’re ready to help you take the first step toward justice.

    Our Practice Areas

    What is a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)?

    Community Integrated Living Arrangements, also known as CILAs, is an inclusive group home designed for up to eight adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible under supervision. Residents receive personalized resident habilitation and support services to hone their individual life skills. Community Integrated Living Arrangements are licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and are supervised by the community development services agency.

    According to the DHS, as of the 2022 fiscal-year end, nearly 10,000 residents resided in CILA group homes in Illinois. 

    What Type of Abuse Takes Place in CILAs?

    Physical Abuse

    • Hitting, pushing, or other harmful physical contact
    • Results in injury, pain, and bodily harm

    Sexual Abuse

    • Any unwanted sexual contact or behavior by staff or other residents
    • Includes touching, exposure, or explicit language or materials

    Mental Abuse

    • Verbal threats, intimidation, or degrading comments
    • Causes emotional pain or distress

    Neglect

    • Failing to meet basic needs like food, hygiene, or medical care

    Abandonment

    • Leaving a resident alone without care or supervision

    Financial Exploitation

    • Stealing or misusing a resident’s money or property
    • Involves manipulation, theft, or coercion

    What are the Signs of Abuse? 

    Physical & Emotional Abuse

    • Sudden behavioral changes (withdrawal, nervousness, fear)
    • Signs of depression or anxiety
    • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
    • Signs of overmedication
    • Avoiding certain staff or residents

    Neglect

    • Poor hygiene or strong body odor
    • Dirty clothing or living space
    • Dehydration or malnourishment
    • Lack of food, toiletries, or medical supplies
    • Bedsores (pressure ulcers)

    Financial Exploitation

    • Large or unexplained cash withdrawals
    • Strange credit card charges
    • Checks with unknown payees or forged signatures
    • Unpaid bills despite adequate funds
    • New or unfamiliar creditors contacting your loved one

    Who Can Be Held Liable?

    The responsible party for a catastrophic event like CILA abuse depends on how and where the abuse occurred. For CILA abuse cases, the liability can fall on a staff member, the facility’s owner, the facility’s management, or even the Department of Human Services in some cases. 

    How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

    If you’ve endured abuse of any kind in a CILA home, you deserve justice, which often comes in the form of financial compensation. Our personal injury team at Spiros Law can effectively handle your serious injury case, hold the responsible party accountable, and get you the justice you deserve. We understand the impact severe physical and mental abuse can have on your life, so we’re here to fight for you.

     

    Types of Compensation:

     

    Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

    These damages cover the cost of your injury, which includes details that have a precise dollar amount, such as:

          Medical expenses: Medical bills, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, etc.

          Future medical costs: Ongoing treatments, medications, or long-term care.

          Lost wages: Lost income due to time spent away from your job.

          Reduced earning ability: A severe injury may affect your future ability to work.

     

    Non-Economic Damages (Life Impact)

    These damages cover details of your life that were significantly impacted due to abuse, including quality of life, well-being, relationships, and more. Non-economic damages cover:

    • Pain and suffering: Chronic headaches, dizziness, and long-term symptoms.
    • Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood changes.
    • Loss of enjoyment of life: Struggling to participate in activities you enjoyed before the abuse.
    • Loss of companionship: Strained relationships with spouse, family, or friends.
    • Disfigurement or physical impairment: If the abuse leaves behind visible scars or long-term disabilities.

     

    How Much Can You Expect to Receive?

    Your total received compensation will vary based on factors such as:

    • Severity of your abuse injury
    • Long-term effects on your health, well-being, and ability to work
    • The emotional and physical toll on your daily life

     

    Abuse cases can be complex, but a dedicated, experienced CILA abuse lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. Our team of skilled attorneys will gather evidence, calculate the total cost of your injury, and fight for you to ensure you receive what is fair. You can count on us.

    How to Report CILA Facility Abuse in Illinois?


    If you suspect abuse has occurred in a CILA facility, take immediate action by:

    • Calling the Office of Inspector General’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-368-1463.
    • Calling the police if your family member is in immediate danger, call 911.
    • Contacting an experienced CILA abuse lawyer, like the team at Spiros Law.

    Don’t wait to report the abuse until you have proof – suspicion is enough. When you contact Spiros Law, our abuse attorneys will help you report the abuse to the proper authorities, work with you to file any necessary lawsuits, and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

    Statistics on Abuse and Neglect in CILAs for Individuals with Disabilities

    Prevalence of Abuse:

    • Individuals with disabilities have a higher prevalence of experiencing abuse than those without disabilities. They experience violent crime at twice the rate of people without disabilities. (The Hotline)   
    • A U.S. national survey found 70% of people with disabilities have been exposed to abuse, and 90% have experienced abuse on multiple occasions. (PMC)
    • Between 2009 and 2015, individuals with disabilities were at least twice as likely to experience violence as people without disabilities. In 2015, nearly 30 out of every 1,000 people 12 years of age or older with a disability reported violent victimization, compared to 12 out of every 1,000 people 12 or older without a disability. (2018 NCVRW Resource Guide: Crimes Against People with Disabilities Fact Sheet)   
    • From 2017 to 2019, individuals with disabilities were targets of 26% of all nonfatal violent crime, while accounting for approximately 12% of the population. The rate of violent acts against those with disabilities (46.2 per 1,000 age 12 or older) was almost four times the rate for those without disabilities (12.3 per 1,000). (Bureau of Justice Statistics)   

    Abuse in Care Facilities:

    • A review of studies on elder abuse in institutional settings showed that 64.2% of staff reported inflicting some form of abuse in the past year. While this statistic focuses on older adults, it highlights the vulnerability residents face in institutional settings. (World Health Organization)   
    • One study found 35% of staff members in caregiving environments for adults with intellectual disabilities admitted they had been involved in or witnessed a violent act towards a resident, and 14% admitted to committing the act themselves. (PubMed)   
    • Research suggests the risk of abuse is increased in group situations like CILA group homes. In one study, 82% of all abuse and neglect of adults with developmental disabilities cases occurred in these settings. (ERIC)
    • The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that residents in group homes often experienced serious injuries and medical conditions, with up to 99% of critical incidents failing to be reported to the appropriate authorities. (Office of Inspector General) 

    Common Types of Abuse Unique to People with Disabilities:

    • Removal or destruction of mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, etc.) 
    • Destruction of communication devices. 
    • Removing or denying access to prescription medication or forcing medication against an individual’s will.
    • Refusing to provide personal care or hygiene.
    • Denying access to food. 
    • Inappropriate touching while aiding with bathing or dressing. 
    • Denying access to necessary resources or healthcare appointments. 
    • Physically harming one’s service animals.
    • Medication manipulation or withholding essential personal assistance. 

    Impact of Abuse:

    • Individuals with disabilities who experience abuse are more likely to endure mental and emotional problems, experience difficulty in other relationships, and have suicidal ideations. 
    • Abuse can lead to deteriorating health and an inability to accomplish self-care activities necessary for employment and independence.
    • Individuals with disabilities may experience more severe coercion, control, or abuse from caregivers. 
    • Abusers may take advantage of a person’s disability by withholding or manipulating medical equipment, medication, meals, communication access, personal care, and/or transportation. 

    personal injury attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. personal injury law firm in Illinois

    Why Choose Spiros?


    When a person with a disability faces abuse or neglect at the hands of their caregiver, they deserve to have a dedicated attorney standing by their side. At Spiros Law, our dedication to results speaks for itself. We are proud to say that we have won massive damages for individuals who’ve been injured, abused, or neglected. Here are some of our prominent examples:

    • $9,842,900, the second-largest verdict in the history of Vermilion County, for an innocent baby who suffered immense harm and required an emergency craniotomy.
    • $1,450,000, the largest verdict in Ford County, for a driver injured when another car ran a stop sign.
    • $1,400,000, the largest settlement for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in Champaign County, Illinois, after a 42-year-old woman was given the wrong medication at a hospital, leading to vein necrosis, chronic pain, and nerve damage.

    These are just a few examples of the many successful cases we have argued. We have experience dealing with a wide range of personal injury cases and can help our clients with the following cases:

    At Spiros Law, we’re focused on clear and honest communication with our clients. From the moment we connect, we are transparent about your case. We understand that if you’re looking for legal representation, you’ve likely already experienced great pain, suffering, and loss. Because of this, we strive to be compassionate, open, and transparent with every person who contacts us.

    Contact Us

    Suffering abuse at the hands of a trusted caregiver takes a mental, emotional, and physical toll on your well-being. If you suspect abuse is occurring in a CILA residence, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers at Spiros Law.

    In most personal injury cases, time is of the essence, and our team understands the importance of that. Our compassionate abuse attorneys can help you understand the legal rights and options available. We are prepared to assist you, so let our Spiros Law team fight for you.

    FAQs


    What is Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)?

    According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, a Community Integrated Living Arrangement is a group home, family home, or apartment living arrangement for up to eight unrelated adults with developmental disabilities. 

    The residents live under the supervision of the community developmental service agency and receive individualized residential habilitation and personal support services. The Illinois Department of Human Services licenses and supervises these group living arrangements and is supported by a community support team within the agency.

    Is CILA Abuse common?

    Unfortunately, it is. Based on research and data, neglect and abuse are common in group living settings like CILAs for individuals with disabilities. While the studies specifically focusing on CILA abuse are limited, evidence found in similar facilities strongly suggests a higher risk for residents of these types of group environments.

    Factors that contribute to this concern include:

    • Increased Vulnerability: Individuals with disabilities already face a significantly higher risk of experiencing abuse overall. Studies show they experience violent acts at twice the rate of people without disabilities. (The Hotline)  
    • Abuse in Care Settings: Research reveals that in institutional settings, staff are admitting to being involved in abusive behavior at an alarming rate. One study showed that approximately 35% of adult care facility staff admitted to witnessing or being involved in violence toward residents. (PubMed)   
    • Concentrated Risk: Studies show group environments, like CILAs, have a higher risk of abuse and neglect. One study reports that approximately 82% of abuse and neglect cases against adults with disabilities occurred in a group setting. (ERIC)
    • Underreporting: According to the Office of Inspector General, underreporting of critical abuse and neglect incidents in group home settings is a significant issue. (Office of Inspector General)   

    While more research specifically looking at the prevalence of abuse in CILAs is needed, the existing evidence found in similar care facilities displays the risk adults with disabilities face in group homes. Residents living in group homes deserve oversight and preventative measures to safely live a more independent life. If you suspect or have experienced CILA facility abuse, contact Spiros Law for compassionate legal assistance.

    Who Will Cover My Medical Bills?

    When you’ve faced a serious injury due to neglect or abuse in a CILA home, medical treatment and long-term care are often necessary, and the costs can add up quickly. You may face a variety of medical costs, including:

    • Emergency care (hospital stays, surgeries, and intensive treatment)
    • Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans)
    • Medications (to manage symptoms and prevent complications)
    • Rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling)
    • Assistive devices (wheelchairs, communication aids, and home modifications)

    Our experienced personal injury attorneys can provide legal assistance and knowledge to hold the responsible party accountable for your pain and suffering, so you don’t have to bear the financial burden. This is why we fight for your compensation and work for the settlement you deserve after enduring abuse from a trusted caregiver, facility, or organization.

    What are the Long-Term Effects of Enduring Abuse?

    Experiencing any mental and physical abuse can have life-altering effects, including:

    • Loss of income: Many victims cannot return to work or suffer a decrease in earning capacity.
    • Ongoing medical expenses: Continuous treatment, therapy, and assistive care may be needed.
    • Physical and emotional suffering: Chronic pain, depression, and anxiety are common after serious injuries.
    • Reduced mobility or cognitive function: Some injuries may lead to permanent disabilities.
    • Diminished quality of life: Everyday activities and relationships may become difficult to maintain.

    Who Can Be Held Responsible for CILA Facility Abuse?

    Liability for abuse or neglect that occurred within a CILA home can fall on the staff member who inflicted the abuse or neglect, the facility’s owners, the company managing the CILA facility, or the Illinois Department of Human Services. The entity held liable for the abuse or neglect will depend on the unique details of your case and the situation that occurred in the home.

    What Compensation Can I Receive?

    If you’ve endured abuse due to someone else’s negligence or mistreatment, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:

    • Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs.
    • Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential.
    • Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or assistive care.
    • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
    • Loss of companionship: The injury may affect relationships with family, friends, or spouse.

    Our experienced CILA abuse attorneys will evaluate your case and calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation and justice.

    How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation?

    Every case is different, so the time it takes to settle a civil abuse case can depend on several factors. Those can include:

    • The severity of the injury and how long treatment lasts.
    • The insurance company’s response and willingness to negotiate.
    • The complexity of the case and whether a lawsuit is necessary.

    Some cases settle in a few months, but others can take longer if they go to trial. A skilled lawyer can help guide you through the process, handle negotiations, and fight for a fair settlement.

    What Do I Prove CILA Abuse?

    To successfully prove a CILA abuse case, your attorney must show:

    1. Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to keep you safe.
    2. Breach of duty: The responsible party failed to meet that obligation.
    3. Causation: Their actions directly resulted in your injury.
    4. Damages: You suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm because of their actions.

    At Spiros Law, our team will fully investigate your claim by gathering medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to support your case.

    Will I Have to File a Lawsuit?

    When you bring your case to an abuse injury attorney, they will most likely attempt to negotiate a settlement first. If the responsible parties refuse to settle on an appropriate amount, then your attorney will suggest filing a civil lawsuit.

    How Can Hiring a Lawyer Help My Case?

    If you’ve suffered abuse and neglect in a CILA home, having a compassionate, trusted attorney by your side can make a difference. To get the compensation you deserve, your experienced personal injury attorney will:

    • Investigate your abuse claim and gather strong evidence.
    • Negotiate with the responsible parties and agencies to secure a fair settlement.
    • Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs.
    • Represent you in court if necessary, fighting aggressively for justice.

    At Spiros Law, P.C., our legal team has a proven track record of fighting for justice and has won millions for catastrophic injury victims and abuse survivors across Illinois, with offices conveniently located in Champaign, Kankakee, and Danville. If you need trusted legal representation, schedule a free case review today.