If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault while at a massage parlor, there may be legal recourse available. The legal team at Florin|Roebig has represented numerous sexual assault cases and is prepared to provide a free consultation to examine your case.
Florin|Roebig was successfully awarded a jury verdict of $47.4 million in a sexual battery case concerning massage therapy in Florida. We are ready and willing to represent your case in Tampa with the same passion and dedication.
Lawyer Taylor Roebig stated that similar cases are likely to keep occurring. “Due to the intimate and personal nature of these attacks, it can be incredibly difficult for victims to come forward. While clients navigate this traumatic experience, having a legal expert, such as those at Florin|Roebig, is critical to ensure that justice is achieved.”
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Anyone who may have visited a massage establishment and was then touched inappropriately or sexually victimized by the massage therapist should know they are not alone in this experience. What happened to you was not okay, and you now have legal options available.
Sadly, massage sexual assault has developed into a significant problem for both men and women. There are no precise statistics on the exact number of customers who have been sexually abused while being given a massage.
However, a civil lawsuit has been filed by more than 180 women against the popular massage firm Massage Envy, who reported that they were sexually assaulted while receiving a massage in this facility.
Receiving intimate touch is routine in a massage session, which may make it difficult to determine if the touch you received was inappropriate. When there is such a thin line between proper massage and inappropriate touch, it can be challenging for people to understand what happened to them.
If you are uncertain about what constitutes sexual assault in the eyes of the Florida law, the following are signs that you may have been the victim of a sexual assault:
- A nonconsensual sex act was performed during the massage.
- The therapist massaged your sexual parts, or they touched too close to those areas, with or without you requesting them to stop.
- The masseuse forced you to, asked you to, suggested, or ordered that you partake 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 want to be touched.
- The therapist revealed a part of your body you did not want to be revealed.
- You were penetrated in any way by the massage therapist.
You may have been sexually assaulted even if you were not directly attacked, such as when a therapist makes unwanted sexual comments or suggestions during your massage.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Whenever a person chooses to receive a massage, they generally desire to alleviate stress, soreness, and muscle pain. In most circumstances, differing degrees of clothing are asked to be taken off, which can lead to more access to the massage and unwanted or disliked touches or advances.
In many massage settings, the lights are turned down for serenity, 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 relaxation and can even fall asleep.
This can leave that individual vulnerable to physical and mental manipulation and unwanted advances. Countless people who are sexually assaulted while receiving a massage feel embarrassed or ashamed about what happened, or they are not sure if what happened was part of a “normal” massage.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
When a sexual assault happens, it is normal to feel many types of emotions, varying from rage to sadness to vulnerability. One helpful way to take back your power and to take action against the massage therapist who assaulted you is by doing the following steps:
1. File a report with the massage clinic.
You first need to make sure and file a complaint with the massage facility, explaining the sexual misconduct. You need to be able to document your complaint against the massage therapist as soon as you can.
2. Call local law enforcement and file a police report.
The next important step in your case is to report the assault to the police as soon as possible. If you are not inclined to report the assault to a police officer immediately after it happens, you need to make sure you do it as soon as you are emotionally and mentally prepared.
3. Notify the Department of Health or State Licensing Agency.
It is essential to inform the Florida Board of Massage Therapy or the licensing agency for the massage company of unacceptable 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 a person has undergone this type of intimate trauma, it can be taxing on their mental health. You must seek support as you start to deal with what has happened to you. Therapists and mental health counselors can help you in beginning the healing process.
5. Consult a personal injury lawyer like Florin|Roebig.
You might already be familiar with the fact that the massage therapist who sexually assaulted you can be indicted on criminal charges. You can also start a personal injury claim to pursue recompense for the trauma you have experienced and a Tampa Florin|Roebig lawyer can help.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
After you or a loved one has experienced an improper touch or was sexually assaulted while receiving a massage, you or the person you care about must inform the proper authorities of what occurred. This can be crucial in ensuring that the perpetrator and the massage facility are held accountable.
Document the assault to the massage company management, which usually has guidelines for dealing with assault. Once you have documented this to the massage company, you must file a statement with the massage licensing agency, the Florida Department of Health Licensing and Regulation.
Call the police and file a report, verifying 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 while being given a massage in Tampa, Florida, you might be able to start a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator (the massage therapist).
It is common for people to confuse the terms civil lawsuit and criminal charges, but here is what you need to know about their distinctions. Criminal charges can be filed against any person who perpetrates 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 power to decide whether to pursue or refuse to press criminal charges. If the massage therapist who assaulted you is charged with sexual assault, they are probably going 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 enable victims to seek compensation from their attackers as a form of restitution — which is a type of repayment that tries to account for pain and suffering.
Taylor Roebig, a distinguished Florin|Roebig lawyer, has noticed similar civil cases that resulted in substantial awards for sexual assault victims. Roebig says, “Our mission is to pursue the highest settlement permitted for our client. In the case of sexual assault committed while in a massage session, because of the intimate assault on the victim, we take even more care in pursuing all avenues for justice and compensation.”
It is critical to remember that company owners are also vulnerable to civil lawsuits if they are shown to have been careless or disregarded professional standards.
Why You Need a Tampa Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Utilizing a Tampa spa or massage sexual assault attorney from Florin|Roebig can help you in countless different ways to acquire the compensation you deserve for your assault. The Florin|Roebig team of attorneys provides free consultations to examine 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
An attorney with a specialized understanding of Tampa spa and massage sexual assault cases 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 gained a critical understanding of sexual assault laws.
With forty years of background in successfully representing our clients, Florin|Roebig’s sexual assault lawyers are more than prepared to handle these types of cases in Florida.
A Strong Sexual Assault Case
Attorneys who are exceptional in their careers will know about the types of facts and evidence that will reinforce your spa massage sexual assault case, improving your odds of collecting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Employing a sexual assault lawyer who specializes in sexual assault claims will be a crucial investment for you and your case. While it may seem daunting, using a Florin|Roebig sexual assault lawyer is easy, and our team of lawyers will support you every step of the way.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
If you, a family member, or another loved one are working to get the compensation you are owed from the perpetrator or business being held liable for your sexual assault, you are not on your own. Countless sexual assault victims have discovered the distressing truth about these offenders: they will do anything they can to ensure they do not have to pay you.
Our Florin|Roebig legal team is knowledgeable about these disgusting tactics used by massage companies and perpetrators of sexual assault across America, and they are not afraid to go toe to toe with them to ensure you are appropriately compensated.
When you hire an attorney, you can delegate the stressful burden of dealing with your perpetrator’s attorneys to your lawyer so that you do not have to take this all on yourself. You can depend on your Florin|Roebig team of attorneys to take care of you and your case.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Any customer who was sexually assaulted while receiving a massage may be awarded either compensatory or punitive damages. Compensatory damages reimburse you (compensate) for a distinct cost, while punitive damages are a way for the courts to punish the offender.
Typical compensatory damages reported in sexual assault cases include:
- Medical expenses, which can consist of hospital visit fees, counseling or therapy appointments to assist in healing from the trauma and any continuing medical treatment connected to sexual injuries
- Lost earnings caused by missing your job due to anxiety over the sexual attack, emotional pain, or persisting pain and suffering
- Disturbance to the quality of life of an assault victim may transpire if the attack traumatizes them in a manner that affects other areas of life. For example, if the massage therapist was a man and, after being sexually attacked, the attack victim is incapable of being alone with any man.
Punitive damages are rarely given but may be granted to victims when the court hopes to stop the defendant from repeating the same activities.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
In Florida, victims of sexual assault are legally allowed to represent themselves in a court of law. However, there are many benefits to utilizing a Florida sexual assault lawyer. The legal process can be overwhelming, and mistakes can ruin your chances of just compensation.
Employing an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases is even more advantageous because they understand the specific laws surrounding these cases. These attorneys are up-to-date with the most recent rulings and developments 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 collecting evidence
- Managing insurance companies
- Improved chances of getting proper compensation
- Legal understanding and expertise
- Support
Our sexual assault lawyers can help you with your case and, if needed, a sexual assault lawsuit. Numerous questions and worries often occur after a spa massage sexual attack, and our lawyers want to guarantee that our clients get through this process with as little stress 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?
In Florida, the statute of limitations regarding sexual assault changes depending on the category of sexual assault. Generally, victims of sexual assault in Florida have between two and four years to file their claims.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
You can still file a sexual assault lawsuit even if you didn’t report the assault immediately. Many victims delay reporting, but it’s best to report assault as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Most attorneys obtain their fees from the compensation awarded to their clients. Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning payment is unnecessary unless we win your case.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence. Witness statements, receipts, communication records, police reports, medical records and evaluations, and CCTV footage can all be used as evidence in sexual assault trials.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
If you or a member of your family were sexually assaulted or touched inappropriately while receiving a massage, you may be able to pursue payment from the massage establishment or the masseuse. Sexual assault attorneys can assist in determining who is liable, supply legal advice during your case, and more.
The team of lawyers at Florin|Roebig has represented multiple sexual assault cases, working with the highest care to reduce our clients’ concerns, build a powerful case, and reach a proper compensation offer.
With numerous complimentary client testimonials, 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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