If you or a member of your family has experienced sexual assault while at a massage establishment, there may be legal recourse available. The team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig has represented multiple sexual assault cases and is prepared to offer a free consultation to analyze your case.
Florin|Roebig was successfully awarded a jury verdict of $47.4 million in a sexual battery case involving massage therapy in Florida. We are ready and prepared to represent your case in St. Petersburg with the same passion and commitment.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig stated that similar cases will likely continue to appear. “These attacks are very personal and intimate, which can make it more challenging for victims to come forward. While clients work through this traumatic experience, having an expert in sexual assault law, such as those at Florin|Roebig, is necessary to ensure that justice is achieved.”
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Clients who may have visited a massage establishment and were then touched inappropriately or sexually victimized by the massage therapist should understand they are not alone in this experience. What happened to you was not okay, and you have legal options.
Unfortunately, massage sexual assault has grown into a considerable problem for both men and women. There are no exact statistics on the precise number of customers who have been sexually abused while being given a massage.
Now, however, more than 180 women have filed a civil lawsuit against the popular massage firm Massage Envy, who each stated that they were sexually assaulted while receiving a massage in this facility.
Intimate touch is common in a massage session, which may make it tough to decide if the touch you received was improper. When there is such a delicate line between proper massage and improper touch, it can be difficult for people to understand what happened to them.
If you are unsure 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 committed during the massage.
- The therapist massaged your genitals/sexual regions, or they touched too close to those areas, with or without you asking them to stop.
- The masseuse pushed you to, asked you to, suggested, or ordered that you participate in sexual acts with them.
- The massage therapist revealed their sexual body parts in front of you.
- You were touched in locations 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 unwanted sexual suggestions or comments while performing your massage.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
When people choose to get a massage, they typically want to alleviate stress, soreness, and muscle pain. In most cases, differing degrees of clothing are asked to be taken off, which can lead to giving more access to the massage and unwanted or disliked touches or advances.
In many massage settings, the lights are turned down for peace, and doors are shut for solitude and privacy. After taking off some or all of their clothing, a person is given an intimate massage in a deep state of relaxation and can even doze off.
This can leave that person vulnerable to physical and mental manipulation and unwanted advances. Numerous people who have been sexually assaulted during a massage session feel embarrassed or ashamed about what occurred, or they are not sure if what transpired 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, it is expected for victims to feel many types of emotions, ranging from rage to sadness to vulnerability. One helpful way to take back your control and to take measures against the massage therapist who assaulted you is by doing the following steps:
1. File a report with the massage clinic.
First, you need to file a complaint with the massage establishment, explaining the sexual misconduct. You also need to be able to verify your complaint against the massage therapist as soon as possible.
2. Call local law enforcement and file a police report.
The next crucial step in your case is to document the assault to the police as soon as you can. If you are not ready to report the assault to a police officer immediately after it occurs, you need to make sure you do it as soon as you are emotionally and mentally able to.
3. Notify the Department of Health or State Licensing Agency.
It is important to notify the Florida Board of Massage Therapy or the licensing agency for the massage company of inappropriate sexual contact. This will initiate an investigation, which can help in bringing the perpetrator to justice and prevent any further sexual assaults.
4. Seek professional help and personal support.
Experiencing intimate trauma can be extremely challenging for one’s mental health. It is essential to seek support as you begin to process what has happened. Therapists and mental health counselors can assist you in starting the healing journey.
5. Consult a personal injury lawyer like Florin|Roebig.
You might already be knowledgeable about the fact that the massage therapist who sexually assaulted you can be indicted on criminal charges. However, you can also begin a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the trauma you have experienced, and a St. Petersburg Florin|Roebig attorney can help.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
If you or a member of your family has experienced improper touch or was sexually assaulted while receiving a massage, it is critical that you or your family member inform the proper authorities of what occurred. This can be critical in guaranteeing that the perpetrator and the massage establishment are held accountable.
Report the assault to the management of the massage company, which usually has procedures for dealing with assault. Once you have reported this to the massage company, you must file a statement with the massage licensing agency, the Florida Department of Health Licensing and Regulation.
Contact the police and file a report, confirming you have documented what happened. 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 were sexually assaulted during a massage session in St. Petersburg, Florida, you might be able to start a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator (the massage therapist).
It is normal for people to confuse the terms civil lawsuits and criminal charges, but there is important information you need to know regarding their distinctions. Criminal charges can be filed against any person who perpetrates a criminal act, including rape or sexual assault.
When a report of sexual assault is filed with the police, the state where you live, in this case, Florida, can decide whether to pursue or refuse to press criminal charges. If the massage therapist who attacked you is charged with sexual assault, they are likely to face jail or prison time, financial fines, and other legal outcomes.
While this result includes the crime that took place, you merit recompense for the trauma you endured and continue to live with. After 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 company they are employed with.
Sexual assault lawsuits allow victims to pursue compensation from their attackers as a form of repayment— which is a type of reimbursement that tries to account for pain and suffering.
Taylor Roebig, a prominent Florin|Roebig attorney, has noticed similar civil cases that resulted in significant awards for sexual assault victims. Roebig says, “Our number one goal is to seek the highest settlement permitted for our client. In the case of sexual assault perpetrated during a massage session, because of the intimate attack on the victim, we take even more care in pursuing all routes for justice and compensation.”
It is essential to remember that business owners are also vulnerable to civil lawsuits if they are shown to have been reckless or disregarded professional standards.
Why You Need an St. Petersburg Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Employing a St. Petersburg spa or massage sexual assault lawyer from Florin|Roebig can support you in numerous different ways to acquire the compensation you deserve for your assault. The Florin|Roebig team of lawyers provides free consultations to discuss your massage sexual assault case and how they can help.
The following are the benefits of hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer for your personal injury massage sexual assault case:
Spa Massage Sexual Assault Case Experience
A lawyer with an expert understanding of St. Petersburg spa and massage sexual assault cases can be beneficial when filing a sexual assault claim. A law 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.
Building A Strong Sexual Assault Case
Lawyers who are outstanding in their careers will know about the kinds of facts and proof that will support your spa massage sexual assault case, improving your odds of collecting the settlement you rightfully deserve.
Utilizing a sexual assault attorney who specializes in sexual assault claims will be a critical investment for you and your case. While it may seem overwhelming, hiring a Florin|Roebig sexual assault attorney is easy. Our team of lawyers will support you every step of the way.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
If a member of your family, a friend, or you are working to get the payment you are owed from the perpetrator or company being held liable for your sexual assault, you are not on your own. Numerous sexual assault victims have found the unfortunate truth about these offenders: they will do anything they can to ensure they do not have to pay you.
Our legal team at Florin|Roebig is knowledgeable about these despicable tactics used by massage companies and perpetrators of sexual assault across America, and they are not scared to go toe to toe with them to guarantee you are appropriately compensated.
When you hire an attorney, you can delegate the stressful burden of dealing with your perpetrator’s lawyers to your attorney so that you do not have to take this all on yourself. You can depend on your Florin|Roebig team of attorneys 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 awarded either compensatory or punitive damages. Compensatory damages reimburse you (pay) for a specific cost, while punitive damages are a way for the courts to punish the wrongdoer.
Customary compensatory damages reported in sexual assault cases include:
- Medical costs, which can include hospital visit expenses, counseling or therapy appointments to assist in healing from the trauma and any continuing medical treatment linked to sexual injuries
- Lost wages caused by missing work due to anxiety over the sexual attack, emotional pain, or ongoing pain and suffering
- Disturbance to the quality of life of an assault victim may happen if the attack traumatizes them in a way that impacts other areas of life. For instance, if the massage therapist was a man and, after being sexually assaulted, the attack victim is incapable of being alone with any man.
Punitive damages are rarely given but may be awarded to victims when the court wishes 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 entitled to represent themselves in a court of law. However, there are many advantages to utilizing a Florida sexual assault attorney. The legal process can be daunting, and mistakes can ruin your chances of just compensation.
Hiring an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases is even more beneficial because they understand the exact laws surrounding these cases. These lawyers are up-to-date with the most recent rulings and results in sexual assault laws and will know what your case needs to succeed.
Other benefits of employing a Florin|Roebig lawyer for your sexual assault case include the following:
- Research and evidence collection
- Managing insurance firms
- Enhanced chances of getting proper compensation
- Legal knowledge and expertise
- Support
Our sexual assault attorneys can help you with your case and, if needed, a sexual assault lawsuit. Countless questions and worries often arise after a spa massage sexual attack, and our attorneys want to ensure that our clients get through this process with as little stress as possible.
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FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations regarding sexual assault in Florida changes depending on the type of sexual assault. Normally, 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 attorneys acquire their fees from the compensation awarded to their clients. Florin|Roebig lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fees are not paid unless we win your case.
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Yes, you can sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault in what is known as a civil lawsuit to collect compensation for damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to and want to press criminal charges as well.
What kind of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
The evidence needed for a sexual abuse case can vary but often includes medical records that document injuries or evaluations supporting the claim, as well as your testimony, which provides a detailed account of the incident, including dates, locations, and relevant details.
Witness or expert testimony can also be crucial, whether from individuals who observed the abuse or professionals who can validate its psychological or physical effects. Physical evidence, such as clothing or DNA samples, may further strengthen the case. An experienced lawyer can help you identify and collect the most relevant documentation to support your case.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or touched inappropriately 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 deciding who is liable, provide legal advice during your case, and more.
The team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig has represented numerous sexual assault cases, working with the utmost care to reduce our clients’ concerns, build a solid case, and reach a just compensation offer.
With countless satisfied clients leaving rave reviews, discover 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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