Nurses sue Endeavor Health in a federal case filed by The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, as reported by Crain’s Chicago Business and Law360. The lawsuit represents four nurses—Tricia Poreda, Karen Hernandez, Jessica Balagtas, and Juline Patlan—against Endeavor Health and executive Joyce Milewski. The case claims wage theft, unsafe understaffing, and serious privacy violations at Endeavor’s legacy hospitals in Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, and Skokie.
Attorney Blake Horwitz stated, “This case shows how profit-driven understaffing harms both nurses and patients.”
Why Nurses Sue Endeavor Health Over Wage Theft
According to Crain’s, the lawsuit accuses Endeavor of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Illinois wage laws. The nurses say they were forced to:
- Work off the clock.
- Lose pay for meal breaks even when required to work.
- Miss promised pay for certifications and leadership duties.
The complaint adds that nurses had to arrive 30 minutes early for unpaid pre-shift work. They were also pressured to stay one to two hours past their scheduled shifts without pay.
Understaffing and Patient Safety
The plaintiffs argue that Endeavor understaffed hospitals to cut costs, putting patients in danger. One example came in June 2025 at Evanston Hospital. Only one nurse worked in the ER waiting area during a delayed intake. At the same time, a patient in crisis shot a security officer. The lawsuit claims this incident shows how understaffing can cause direct harm.
Privacy and Retaliation Allegations
Nurse Jessica Balagtas also raises claims for invasion of privacy. She says Joyce Milewski, Endeavor’s assistant vice president of employee relations, grabbed her phone during a union discussion and searched her texts. Balagtas claims Endeavor fired her because of what Milewski found on her phone. She calls this a violation of privacy and retaliation for union activity.
Endeavor’s Response
Endeavor Health declined to discuss the lawsuit’s details. In a statement, the company said:
“The safety of our patients, team members, and the communities we serve is our highest priority. We have a long-standing commitment to maintaining safe, supportive working environments and adhering to all applicable laws and industry regulations.”
Why Nurses Sue Endeavor Health Matters
The lawsuit asks for back wages, compensatory and punitive damages, and a jury trial. It highlights ongoing concerns about staffing shortages in hospitals. By showing how nurses sue Endeavor Health over wages, safety, and privacy, the case raises larger questions about patient care and labor rights in healthcare.
Speak With an Attorney Today
Are you a nurse or healthcare worker dealing with employment discrimination, wage theft, or unsafe working conditions? The attorneys at The Blake Horwitz Law Firm fight for workers’ rights. View our team to schedule your free consultation.
