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Were you abused at Hartgrove Hospital?

HARTGROVE HOSPITAL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS

GGH Law represents survivors of sexual abuse at Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital in Chicago. Talk to us about what happened. The consultation is free and confidential. SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

Confidential • No fee unless we win

Introduction

  • In December 2025, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office filed five felony counts of criminal sexual assault against Edmund Rivers, a former mental health counselor at Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital in Chicago. Prosecutors allege Rivers assaulted multiple children between the ages of 7 and 14 between 1996 and 2004. As a central abuser named in dozens of GGH’s civil lawsuits, survivors allege that Rivers dared them to come forward, saying no one would ever believe them. One survivor recounted his abuse, alleging the attacks happened multiple times a week. He also said Rivers would force the children to perform lewd acts on each other.

For years, Hartgrove Hospital and its parent company, Universal Health Services, have faced heavy criticism, even having to answer several allegations in court that it failed to keep its young patients safe. Court filings and public reporting describe recurring patterns of abuse — from inadequate supervision and staff training to serious incidents involving neglect. Together, these accounts have fueled repeated calls for stronger oversight and reform.

In August 2019, an investigation examined a six-month period — from December 2010 through June 2011 — and uncovered more than 100 violent incidents at Hartgrove Hospital. The reporting described physical altercations, sexual assault, and threatening behavior, alongside concerns that staff was not only abusive, but overwhelmed, under-trained, and unequipped to manage a youth psychiatric setting.

Court filings have also raised concerns about whether Hartgrove Hospital took appropriate steps to protect patients. A lawsuit filed in 2015 against the hospital involved a young girl who said another patient sexually assaulted her one year prior. That’s when she was admitted to Hartgrove Hospital for a past incident of sexual abuse. The complaint alleges staff knew the patient who attacked her had sexually aggressive tendencies and failed to take precautions.

More recently, in October 2023, a man who requested anonymity filed a lawsuit against Hartgrove Hospital saying he was sexually abused by multiple staff members while a patient in the early 2000s. The complaint alleges it happened when he was between the ages of 11 and 13. Because the survivor was conditioned to believe this was normal behavior, the lawsuit says it compelled him to enact sexual scenes with other children.

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SEXUALLY ABUSED?
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The legal journey in sexual abuse cases requires more than just expertise—it requires empathy, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. At GGH, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. We stand firm in our belief that survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice, hold perpetrators accountable, and begin the process of healing.

The GGH team is dedicated to ensuring that survivors' voices are heard and their stories respected. We are here to help you navigate the legal process with care and confidence, advocating for the justice and closure you deserve.

Contact GGH Today for a free consultation at (312) 728-7444 or contact us online.

ACCOUNTABLITY FOR SURVIVORS:
THE GGH ADVANDAGE
Gould Grieco & Hensley (GGH) is a prestigious, boutique national personal injury firm that serves as a relentless advocate for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries. Recognized as "Innovators of Law," the firm combines world-class legal expertise with state-of-the-art technology—including agile project management and cutting-edge trial techniques—to secure unprecedented results against the world’s largest institutional defendants. With a proven track record that includes global settlements exceeding $2 billion and individual verdicts surpassing $550 million, their award-winning attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis to ensure justice is accessible without upfront costs. From the courtroom to features in The New York Times and Forbes, Gould Grieco and Hensley remains dedicated to turning strategic precision and aggressive litigation into life-changing outcomes for their clients.