Victims of sexual assault have undergone an intense trauma. In addition to mental and emotional suffering, sexual assault often leaves victims struggling with medical bills and lost income due to an inability to work. The consequences of an assault can lead to years of financial struggle if victims don’t take action to redress the balance.
Working with a Colorado sexual assault victim’s attorney to hold perpetrators accountable not only prevents them from hurting others but also allows victims to access the compensation they need to begin recovering. In Colorado, abusers can be held responsible simultaneously through legal action in the civil and criminal courts.
Speaking out after a sexual assault can feel impossible, and many victims feel reluctant to begin complex legal proceedings while struggling with trauma. Working with a spa massage sexual abuse lawyer allows victims to focus on recovery while still seeking justice and compensation.
At Florin|Roebig, our team includes some of the top-rated sexual assault attorneys in Colorado. Our compassionate experts provide clients with individualized legal guidance. We have decades of combined experience navigating these complex, sensitive cases and helping clients like you get the compensation they need to recover after an assault.
How to Know If Your Massage Involved Sexual Assault
A massage is an intimate act requiring trust between the masseuse and the client. Experienced predators know how to take advantage of that trust, leveraging the private and high-contact nature of massage to disguise their actions and discredit victims.
Identifying massage sexual abuse can be difficult. Always trust your instincts. If you believe you have been subjected to massage therapy misconduct in Colorado, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Sexual assault legal experts can help you understand the nuances of your situation and your best options for compensation.
Common signs of massage sexual assault include:
- The massage involved a non consensual sexual act.
- The massage therapist massaged your genitals or touched too closely to those parts, with or without you asking them to stop.
- The masseuse forced you to, asked you to, implied, or suggested that you engage in sexual acts with them.
- The massage therapist exposed their sexual body parts in front of you.
- You were touched in areas that you made clear you did not want to be touched.
- The therapist exposed part of your body you did not want to be exposed.
- You were penetrated in any way by the massage therapist.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Abusers will often seek to disguise inappropriate touch during a massage as a simple mistake. When mistakes occur, a real professional apologizes promptly, ensures that the touch is not repeated, and often reports the incident to facility management. Never hesitate to stop a session as soon as you feel uncomfortable.”
5 Steps to Take After The Massage Session
Many victims feel paralyzed after an assault, unsure of what to do or who to speak to to get the help that they need. Some retreat into silence for months or years, unable to talk about what has happened to them.
The steps below offer some guidance surrounding best practices in the wake of a sexual assault. If you have been assaulted and you feel unable to take these steps, you are not alone. If you can, confide in a trusted friend or family member who can help you seek assistance and justice.
How to take steps after massage sexual assault:
- Take immediate action to ensure your personal safety and mental well-being. Stop the session when you feel uncomfortable and scream or fight back.
- Report massage abuse to management and authorities as soon as possible.
- Document details of the incident for future legal action. Common Colorado sexual assault documentation includes dates, times, and witness information.
- Always seek medical and mental health support if needed.
- Secure legal help after sexual assault by consulting with a qualified Colorado sexual assault lawyer.
Can I Sue for Sexual Assault During a Massage in Colorado?
Victims can sue for massage sexual assault in Colorado. The legal rights of Colorado sexual assault victims allow them to pursue legal action against their abusers in both the civil and criminal court systems. Colorado sexual assault lawsuits filed through the criminal court system enable victims to hold their perpetrators accountable and seek punishment for the crimes committed against them.
However, to seek compensation for massage abuse, victims must file a civil lawsuit. As of 2022, there is no statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases in Colorado.
In addition to having a longer statute of limitations, civil cases also require a lower burden of proof. Even if a criminal case did not result in a conviction, a civil case may still end with compensation for the victim. Compensation is generally given as monetary damages, which can be awarded to compensate the victim or punish the perpetrator.
Working with an experienced sexual assault attorney gives victims access to the tools and expertise needed to navigate complex sexual abuse cases. A good lawyer guides clients through every step of the claims process, allowing them to focus on recovery while their lawyer secures the maximum possible compensation.
Common Places Where Massage Assaults Occur
Perpetrators of sexual assault in Colorado spas exploit the norms associated with massage culture and environments. In cases of abuse occurring in massage therapy centers and those in homes, they rely on the need for silence and privacy. Offenders take advantage of the intimate nature of their profession, betraying their clients’ trust and causing significant harm.
If you are interested in receiving a massage, don’t go alone. If possible, always bring a friend or partner with you and opt for a couples massage session. Researching the center and the masseuse you intend to use can also alert you to potential red flags.
Regardless of the exact circumstances of your assault, you are not at fault. Nothing you could have done would have completely negated the possibility of abuse at the hands of an experienced abuser.
Common massage assault locations and settings include:
- Chiropractic centers
- Holistic medicine centers
- Home massage services
- Hotels/resorts
- Massage therapy centers
- Spas
- Wellness retreats
Our Featured Case Results
Colorado Massage Sex Assault Lawsuit Examples
Unfortunately, sexual assault cases involving massage therapists in Colorado are quite common. Many abusers continue their harmful practices for years before facing justice. These cases often involve multiple victims and typically occur at large massage franchises, where victims should expect a reasonable level of safety.
The sensitive nature of sexual assault cases often means that victims do not wish to have their names or other identifying information publicized. This can make it difficult to find published sexual assault case results in Colorado.
Recent Colorado spa sexual abuse cases:
- Basalt, Colorado, masseuse Nathaniel D. Gordon Is facing 15 charges from eight victims. The incidents date back to 2015.
- Michael Murray, a Fort Collins masseuse, was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor committed against two female clients. Murray committed the assaults at Massage Heights, where he was employed as a licensed massage therapist. Following Murray’s suicide, his victims are now attempting to seek justice from the employers who kept him on staff despite multiple reports of sexual violence.
- Matthew Mandel assaulted four women in 2019. He was employed at two locations in Boulder, Massage Specialists and Bodywork for Liberation.
Sexual assault cases can be complex and delicate. Working with an experienced sexual assault lawyer who understands the legal rulings and precedents governing sexual assault law gives your case the best possible chance of success.
Understanding Liability in Sexual Assault Cases
Liability in Colorado sexual assault cases does not rest solely on the abuser but also allows victims to hold those who enabled the perpetrator accountable. In many instances of massage therapist abuse, responsibility also rests on the company that employed the perpetrator.
Victims can make a case for spa owner negligence in Colorado. Because many abusers are repeat offenders, there is often a history of complaints attached to them. Companies that ignored these complaints or failed to take adequate precautions when hiring may be liable.
Sexual assault lawsuit liability is complex. An experienced sexual assault attorney like the ones at Florin|Roebig can help you determine all responsible parties and hold them accountable. Doing so is a deterrent against future negligence and maximizes your compensation.
Colorado Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Claims
The Colorado sexual assault statute of limitations is one of the most generous in the US. As of 2022, there is no filing deadline for sexual assault in Colorado for civil cases.
Unfortunately, the unlimited legal time limit for assault in Colorado civil lawsuits only applies to victims who were still within the statute of limitations when the new rule was passed. The massage abuse claim deadline for older cases still follows previous guidelines.
Although the Colorado statute of limitations is generous, acting quickly following an assault is essential. Evidence degrades and becomes more difficult to collect as time passes. Reaching out to an attorney immediately gives your case the best possible chance of success.
Types of Damages Awarded in Sexual Assault Cases
Most compensation for massage sexual assault is monetary and is offered to victims in the form of damages. There are two primary types of Colorado sexual assault damages: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages are awarded to victims to compensate them for tangible and intangible losses they have suffered as a result of the abuse. Compensatory damages can be awarded for:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
- Reputational harm
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the perpetrator and deter future negligent behavior. They are only granted in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
The amount of damages awarded for sexual abuse in Colorado varies depending on the individual circumstances of your case. Other factors that can affect the amount of compensation awarded include:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- The amount of lost income
- A previous history of assault on the defendant’s part
- The number of defendants
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A Trusted Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
Find a Trusted Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
Sexual assault is a trauma that transcends age, gender, and location. Victims face unique challenges, and many struggle to come forward, often waiting years before seeking the justice and compensation they deserve.
The sexual assault experts at Florin|Roebig offer every client individualized, compassionate guidance. Our team has decades of combined experience navigating the complexities of sensitive sexual assault cases.
We have won $1 billion in results for our clients since our founding in 1985, including a $47.4 million verdict in a massage therapy sexual battery case. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a massage sexual assault, don’t wait. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the massage therapist and the spa for sexual assault?
In many cases, victims can hold both the massage therapist and the spa responsible for their assault.
How long do I have to file a sexual assault claim in Colorado?
The statute of limitations to file a civil sexual assault lawsuit in Colorado is unlimited as of 2022.
What should I do if I’ve been sexually assaulted during a massage?
Report the assault to management and the authorities as soon as possible. Then, contact a sexual assault attorney.
What is the cost of hiring a Colorado sexual assault lawyer?
Most reputable sexual assault lawyers work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. After a win, they are paid a predetermined percentage of the compensation.
