If you or a member of your family has encountered sexual assault while at a massage parlor, there may be legal actions available. The team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig has represented multiple cases of sexual assault and is ready to offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Florin|Roebig was successfully granted a jury verdict of $47.4 million in a case of sexual battery involving massage therapy in Florida. We are prepared and ready to represent your case in Orlando with the same fervor and commitment.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig stated that comparable cases will likely keep appearing. “These types of attacks are very personal and intimate, which can make it difficult for victims to come forward and report their attack. To ensure that justice is achieved, sexual assault victims must have the support and commitment from an expert attorney, including those at Florin|Roebig.”
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
It is very important for those who may have gone to a massage facility and were then touched inappropriately or sexually victimized by the massage therapist to know they are not alone in this experience. What occurred to you was not okay, and you now have legal choices available.
Unfortunately, massage sexual assault has grown into a substantial problem for both men and women. There are no exact statistics on the precise number of clients who have been sexually abused while being given a massage.
However, a civil lawsuit has been filed by over 180 women against the popular massage firm Massage Envy, who reported that they were sexually assaulted while being given a massage in this establishment.
Being touched intimately is typical during a massage session, which may make it challenging to discern if the touch you received was inappropriate. With such a thin line between appropriate massage and indecent touch, it can be hard for people to comprehend what happened to them.
If you are unsure about what comprises sexual assault in the eyes of the Florida law, the following are indications that you may have experienced a sexual assault:
- A nonconsensual sex act was committed during the massage.
- The therapist massaged your sexual regions, or they touched too close to those spots, with or without you asking them to stop.
- The masseuse pushed you to, requested you to, implied, or ordered that you participate in sexual acts with them.
- The massage therapist showed their sexual body parts in front of you.
- You were touched in areas where you did not want to be touched.
- The therapist exposed a part of your body you did not want to be exposed.
- You were penetrated in any way by the massage therapist.
You might have been sexually assaulted, even if you were not directly sexually attacked if the therapist made undesired sexual suggestions or statements while performing your massage.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
When someone decides to get a massage, they typically want to alleviate stress, soreness, and muscle pain. In most cases, differing extents of clothing are asked to be removed, leading to more access to the massage and undesired or disliked touches or advances.
In many massage environments, the lights are dimmed for tranquility, and doors are closed for privacy. After removing some or all of their clothing, an individual is given an intimate massage in a deep state of ease and can even doze off.
This can render that individual vulnerable to physical and mental manipulation and unwanted advances. Numerous people who are sexually assaulted while being given a massage feel remorseful or ashamed about what transpired, or they are not sure if what occurred was part of a “typical” massage.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
When a sexual assault occurs, victims are expected to feel many kinds of emotions, ranging from rage to sadness to vulnerability. One useful way to take back your power and to take steps against the massage therapist who attacked you is by doing the following steps:
1. File a report with the massage clinic.
First, you need to make sure and file a report with the massage facility describing the sexual misconduct. You need to be able to record your complaint against the massage therapist as quickly as you can.
2. Call local law enforcement and file a police report.
The next critical action to take in your case is to document the assault with the police as soon as you can. If you are not ready to report the assault to the police immediately after it occurs, you need to make sure you report it as soon as you are emotionally and mentally prepared.
3. Notify the Department of Health or State Licensing Agency.
It is crucial to notify the Florida Board of Massage Therapy or the licensing agency for the massage establishment of inappropriate sexual contact. This will start an investigation, which can help in bringing the perpetrator to justice and prevent any further sexual assaults.
4. Seek professional help and personal support.
When someone has experienced this type of intimate trauma, it can be draining on their mental health. It is essential that you seek help as you start to deal with what has happened to you. Therapists and mental health counselors can assist you in starting 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
After you or a family member has undergone an inappropriate touch or was sexually assaulted while receiving a massage, you or the family member must inform the appropriate authorities of what transpired.
This can be critical in guaranteeing that the perpetrator and the massage facility are held responsible.
Report the assault to the massage company management, which generally has guidelines for handling assault. After you have reported this to the massage company, you must file a report with the massage licensing agency, the Florida Department of Health Licensing and Regulation.
Contact the police and give them a statement confirming you have reported what transpired. The police will then investigate the incident, which could lead to an arrest and a trial.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Florida
If you or someone you know were sexually assaulted when receiving a massage in Orlando, Florida, you might be able to start a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator (the massage therapist).
It is not uncommon for people to mix up the terms civil lawsuit and criminal charges, but there are important distinctions you need to understand. Criminal charges can be filed against any person who commits a criminal act, which includes rape or sexual assault.
When a report of sexual assault is filed, the state where you live, including Florida, has the authority to determine whether to seek or decline to press criminal charges. If the massage therapist who attacked you is charged with sexual assault, they are likely going to face jail or prison time, financial fines, and other legal consequences.
While this outcome includes the crime that took place, you merit compensation for the trauma you endured and continue to live with. Once criminal charges are filed with the court, sexual assault victims are also permitted to seek civil lawsuits against the perpetrator of the assault and the establishment they are employed with.
Sexual assault lawsuits allow victims to pursue a settlement from their attackers as a form of restitution — which is a type of compensation that tries to account for pain and suffering.
Taylor Roebig, a prominent Florin|Roebig attorney, has seen comparable civil cases that resulted in significant awards for victims of sexual assault. Roebig says, “Our mission is to pursue the highest legal settlement allowed for our clients. Because of the intimate assault on the victim, in the case of sexual assault perpetrated while in a massage appointment, we take even more consideration in seeking all roads for justice and compensation.”
It is important to keep in mind that business owners are also vulnerable to civil lawsuits if they are demonstrated to have been negligent or disregarded professional standards.
Why You Need an Orlando Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Hiring an Orlando spa or massage sexual assault lawyer from Florin|Roebig can assist you in countless additional ways to obtain the compensation you deserve for your assault. The Florin|Roebig team of lawyers offers free consultations to discuss your massage sexual assault case and how they can help.
The following are the advantages of employing a Florin|Roebig attorney for your personal injury massage sexual assault case:
Spa Massage Sexual Assault Case Experience
Lawyers with specialized knowledge of Orlando spa and massage sexual assault cases can be valuable when filing a sexual assault claim. A legal firm that has been in business in Florida for as many years as we have been will have acquired a critical understanding of sexual assault laws.
With four decades of experience in successfully representing our clients, Florin|Roebig’s sexual assault attorneys are more than ready to represent these types of cases in Florida.
A Strong Sexual Assault Case
Attorneys who are outstanding in their profession will know about the types of facts and proof that will support your spa massage sexual assault case, improving your chances of collecting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Utilizing a sexual assault attorney who specializes in sexual assault claims will be a vital asset for you and your case. While it may seem complicated, hiring a Florin|Roebig sexual assault attorney is easy, and our team of lawyers will help you every step of the way.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
If you or a loved one are working towards getting the settlement you are owed from the perpetrator or business being held liable for your sexual assault, you are not on your own. Numerous sexual assault victims have found out the unfortunate truth about these offenders: they will do anything they can to guarantee they do not have to reimburse you.
Our legal team at Florin|Roebig is familiar with the inappropriate methods used by massage businesses and perpetrators of sexual assault all over America, and they are not afraid to go toe to toe with them to make sure you are appropriately compensated.
When you employ a lawyer, you can give the stressful responsibility of dealing with your perpetrator’s lawyers to your attorney 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 client who was sexually assaulted while being given a massage may be granted either compensatory or punitive damages. Compensatory damages compensate you (reimburse) for a specific cost, while punitive damages are a way for the courts to penalize (punish) the offender.
Common compensatory damages reported in sexual assault cases include:
- Medical costs, which can include hospital visit expenses, counseling or therapy appointments to aid in healing from the trauma and any ongoing medical treatment linked to sexual injuries
- Lost wages caused by missing your job because of the anxiety caused by the sexual attack, emotional pain, or continuing pain and suffering
- Disruption to the quality of life of an assault victim may happen if the attack traumatizes them in a way that affects other areas of life. For instance, if the massage therapist was a man and, after being sexually attacked, the attack victim is unable to be alone with men.
Punitive damages are seldom given but may be awarded to victims when the court desires to prevent the defendant from repeating the same activities.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
In Florida, sexual assault victims are legally permitted to represent themselves in a court of law. However, there are many advantages to hiring a Florida sexual assault attorney. The legal process can be daunting, and mistakes can damage your chances of proper compensation.
Hiring an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases is even more beneficial because they are familiar with the specific laws surrounding these cases. These lawyers are up-to-date with the most recent rulings and outcomes in sexual assault laws and will understand what your case needs to succeed.
Other advantages of utilizing a Florin|Roebig attorney for your sexual assault case include the following:
- Investigation and collection of evidence
- Handling insurance companies
- Enhanced odds of getting proper compensation
- Legal knowledge and expertise
- Support
Sexual assault attorneys can help you with your case and, if required, a sexual assault lawsuit. Countless questions and concerns often arise after a spa massage sexual attack, and our attorneys want to ensure that our clients get through this process with as little anxiety as possible.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida for sexual assault varies depending on the type of sexual assault. Typically, victims of sexual assault in Florida have between two and four years to file their claims.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Most lawyers will take their fees from the settlement awarded to their clients. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig also work on a contingency fee basis, which means that an upfront payment is unnecessary unless we win your case.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
If you or someone you care about were sexually assaulted or received an unwanted touch while being given a massage, you may be able to seek compensation from the massage company or the masseuse. Sexual assault lawyers can help in determining who is liable, offer legal advice during your case, and more.
The Florin|Roebig team of attorneys has represented numerous sexual assault cases, working with the utmost care to ease our clients’ concerns, build a strong case, and reach a reasonable settlement offer.
With many positive client reviews, case verdicts, and 40 years of experience behind them, our Orlando legal team is here to help. Find out what our law firm can do for you today. Contact Florin|Roebig to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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