If you or someone you care about has encountered sexual assault while at a massage establishment, there are legal actions that can be taken. The team of lawyers at Florin|Roebig has represented numerous cases of sexual assault and is ready to provide a free consultation to discuss your case.
Florin|Roebig was successfully awarded a jury verdict of $47.4 million in a case of sexual battery concerning massage therapy in Florida. We are equipped and ready to represent your case in Cape Coral with the same fervor and commitment.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig stated that comparable cases will likely keep appearing. “These are very personal and intimate types of assaults, which can make it challenging for victims to feel safe and comfortable enough to come forward and file a report. To guarantee that justice is accomplished, sexual assault victims must have the support and dedication of an expert lawyer, including those at the Florin|Roebig law firm.”
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Those who may have gone to a massage facility and were then touched inappropriately or sexually assaulted by the massage therapist need to understand they are not alone in this situation. What was done to you was not okay, and you have legal options available to you.
Unfortunately, massage sexual assault has evolved into a significant concern for both men and women. Another unfortunate fact is that there are no exact statistics on the accurate number of customers who have been sexually harmed while being given a massage.
However, a civil lawsuit has been filed by over 180 women against the major massage firm Massage Envy, who declared that they were sexually attacked while being given a massage in this facility.
Receiving intimate touch is standard during a massage session, which may make it difficult to determine if the touch you received was inappropriate. Due to the very thin line between proper massage and indecent touch, it can be challenging for people to understand what happened to them.
If you are uncertain about what comprises sexual assault in the eyes of the Florida law, the following are signs that you may have undergone a sexual assault:
- A nonconsensual sex act was perpetrated during the massage.
- The therapist massaged your sexual parts, or they touched too close to those areas, with or without you asking them to quit.
- The masseuse made you, asked you to, implied, or demanded that you participate in sexual acts with them.
- The massage therapist revealed their sexual body parts in front of you.
- You were touched in places where you did not ask or want to be touched.
- The therapist uncovered a part of your body you did not want to be uncovered.
- You were penetrated in any way by the massage therapist.
You may have been sexually assaulted, even if you were not overtly sexually attacked if the therapist made unwanted sexual requests or statements while performing your massage.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
When people choose to get a massage, they generally want to ease stress, soreness, and muscle pain. Most of the time, varying amounts of clothing are asked to be taken off, leading to more access to the massage and sometimes undesired or disliked touches or advances.
In many massage settings, the lights are lowered for peace, and doors are shut for privacy. After taking off some or all of their clothing, a person is given an intimate massage in a deep state of ease and can even doze off.
This can cause that person to become vulnerable to physical and mental manipulation and unwanted advances. Countless people who are sexually attacked while receiving a massage feel guilty or ashamed about what happened, or they are not sure if what happened was part of a “typical” massage.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
When a sexual assault happens, assault victims are likely to feel many kinds of emotions, varying from rage to sadness to vulnerability. One helpful way to take back your power and to take steps against the massage therapist who assaulted you is by taking the following steps:
1. File a report with the massage clinic.
The first step you need to take is to file a complaint with the massage establishment describing the sexual misconduct. You also need to be able to record your complaint against the massage therapist as quickly as possible.
2. Call local law enforcement and file a police report.
Next, the second essential action to take in your case is to report the assault to the police as soon as possible. If you are not ready to document the assault to the police right after it happens, you need to make sure you report it as soon as you are emotionally and mentally able.
3. Notify the Department of Health or State Licensing Agency.
It is very important for you to inform the Florida Board of Massage Therapy or the licensing agency for the massage establishment of inappropriate sexual contact. This will initiate an investigation, which can help in bringing the perpetrator to justice and stop any further sexual assaults.
4. Seek professional help and personal support.
When someone you love has experienced this type of personal trauma, it can be exhausting and draining on their mental health. It is vital that you look for help as you start to process what happened to you. Therapists and mental health counselors can help you begin the process of healing.
5. Consult a personal injury lawyer like Florin|Roebig.
You might already be acquainted with the fact that the massage therapist who sexually assaulted you can be indicted on criminal charges. You can also initiate a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the trauma you have undergone, and an Orlando Florin|Roebig attorney can help.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
Once you or someone you love has experienced an inappropriate touch or was sexually assaulted while being given a massage, you or the family member must notify the appropriate authorities of what happened.
This is a very important step in ensuring that the perpetrator and the massage facility are held responsible.
Document the assault to the massage company management, which typically has guidelines in place for handling assaults. Once you have notified the management of the massage company, you must file a statement with the massage licensing agency, the Florida Department of Health Licensing and Regulation.
Finally, you need to call the police and give them a formal statement verifying you have reported the assault that occurred. The police will then investigate the assault, which could lead to an arrest and a trial.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Florida
If you or a member of your family have been sexually assaulted when getting a massage in Cape Coral, Florida, you might be able to start a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator (the massage therapist).
It is not unusual for people to confuse the phrases civil lawsuit and criminal charges, but there are important differences you need to be aware of. Criminal charges can be filed against any person who commits a criminal act, including rape or sexual assault.
After a report of sexual assault is filed, the state where you live, in this case, Florida, has the authority to decide whether to seek or refuse to press criminal charges. If the massage therapist who assaulted you is charged with committing sexual assault, they face jail or prison time, monetary fines, and other legal consequences.
While this result includes the crime that took place, you merit recompense for the trauma you survived and continue to live with. Once criminal charges are filed with the court, victims of sexual assault are also entitled to seek civil lawsuits against the perpetrator of the assault and the establishment they are employed with.
Sexual assault lawsuits authorize victims to seek a settlement from their attackers as a form of repayment— which is a type of compensation that tries to account for pain and suffering.
Taylor Roebig, a distinguished Florin|Roebig attorney, has seen comparable civil cases that resulted in substantial awards for victims of sexual assault. Roebig says, “Pursuing the highest legal settlement allowed for our clients is our number one goal. The intimate attack on the victim concerning sexual assault committed while in a massage appointment demands that we take even more consideration in pursuing all avenues to justice and compensation.”
It is important to remember that company owners are also vulnerable to civil lawsuits if they are shown to have been negligent or violated professional standards.
Why You Need an Cape Coral Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Cape Coral spa or massage sexual assault lawyers from Florin|Roebig can help you in numerous additional ways to receive the compensation you deserve for your attack.
The Florin|Roebig team of attorneys provides free consultations and case evaluations to discuss your massage sexual assault claim and how they can help.
The following are the benefits of using a Florin|Roebig attorney for your personal injury massage sexual assault case:
Spa Massage Sexual Assault Case Experience
Expert sexual assault attorneys of Cape Coral spa can be helpful when filing a sexual assault claim. A law firm that has been in business in Florida for as many decades as we have been will have developed a critical understanding of sexual assault laws.
With forty years of experience in representing our clients with great success, Florin|Roebig’s sexual assault lawyers are more than ready to represent these kinds of cases in Florida.
A Strong Sexual Assault Case
When an attorney is outstanding in their profession, they will understand the types of facts and evidence that will support your spa massage sexual assault case, enhancing your chances of collecting the payment you rightfully deserve.
Sexual assault attorneys who specialize in sexual assault claims will be a crucial asset for you and your case. Even though the process may seem difficult, hiring a Florin|Roebig sexual assault lawyer is easy, and our team of attorneys will help you every step of the way.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
If you or a member of your family are working towards obtaining the settlement you are owed from your attacker or business being held liable for your sexual assault, you are not alone. Unfortunately, sexual assault victims have found out the sad truth about these wrongdoers: they want to be able to guarantee they do not have to compensate you.
Our sexual assault attorneys at Florin|Roebig are acquainted with these abhorrent practices used by major massage companies and perpetrators of sexual assault all across America, and they are not afraid to go toe to toe with them to make sure you are properly compensated.
When you hire an attorney, you can delegate the stressful responsibility of dealing with your perpetrator’s lawyers to your lawyer so that you do not have to take this all on yourself. You can count on your Florin|Roebig team of lawyers to care for you and your case.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Any individual who has been sexually assaulted while getting a massage may be awarded either compensatory or punitive damages.
Compensatory damages reimburse you (repay) for a specific cost, while punitive damages allow the courts to penalize (punish) the offender.
Typical compensatory damages reported in sexual assault cases include the following:
- Medical costs, including hospital visit fees, counseling or therapy appointments to help in healing from the trauma, and any ongoing medical treatments linked to sexual injuries
- Lost earnings due to missing work because of the anxiety caused by the sexual attack, emotional pain, or continuing pain and suffering
- Disturbance to the quality of life of the victim may occur if the attack traumatizes them in a manner that impacts other areas of life. For example, if the massage therapist was a man and, after being sexually assaulted, the attack victim cannot be alone with men.
Punitive damages are seldom granted but may be awarded to victims of sexual assault when the court wants to prevent the defendant from repeating the same activities.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Sexual assault victims in Florida are legally allowed to represent themselves in a court of law. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are many benefits to hiring a Florida sexual assault lawyer. The legal process can be daunting, and errors can damage your chances of reasonable compensation.
Utilizing a lawyer who is an expert in sexual assault cases is even more valuable because they are familiar with the specific laws surrounding these cases. These attorneys are up-to-date with the most recent rulings and results in sexual assault laws and will understand what your case needs to succeed.
Other benefits of using a Florin|Roebig attorney for your sexual assault case include the following:
- Collection of evidence and investigation
- Managing insurance companies
- Improved chances of getting fair compensation
- Legal proficiency and expertise
- Support
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for sexual assault changes depending on the classification of sexual assault. Generally, victims of sexual assault in Florida have up to four years to file their claims.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
An attorney will generally take their fees from the settlement granted to their clients. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig work on a contingency fee basis, meaning an upfront payment is not needed.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
If you or a family member have experienced sexual assault or received an unwanted touch while receiving a massage, you may be able to seek payment from the massage company or the masseuse. Sexual assault attorneys can help in determining who is liable, offer legal advice during your case, and more.
With many favorable client testimonials, case verdicts, and four decades of experience, our Cape Coral legal team is here to help. Find out how our law firm can help you today. Contact Florin|Roebig to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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