A simple appointment for a restorative experience can end up causing years of devastation to victims of sexual assault at Minneapolis massage parlors. You should not have to stand alone to fight perpetrators of criminal sexual conduct.
Sexual assault attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “An experienced attorney who can help you file criminal charges is an important part of getting justice. But when you want to press charges for the personal price of nonconsensual sexual harassment or contact, you need a personal injury lawyer’s help with legal issues. Contact Florin|Roebig Law Firm to handle your case.”
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Inappropriate behaviors can be any number of incidents. Lewd comments or gestures, suggestions of sexual acts, unwanted touching, and indecent exposure are forms of massage therapist sexual assault.
Inappropriate touching during massage should never occur. A massage therapist shouldn’t ask you to remove more clothing than you’re comfortable with or touch your genitals.
Any level of abuse can cause significant emotional, psychological, and physical trauma to victims. Spa misconduct claims can hold the offending party responsible and prevent others from unwanted sexual contact.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Spa and massage sexual assault are opportunistic crimes. Most clients disrobe to their comfort level, creating access that leads to therapist abuse of trust. However, it is never the victim’s fault. As a client, you’re supposed to be comfortable receiving a massage and expect your therapist to respect boundaries.
What causes massage sexual misconduct to exist falls on the therapist and sometimes their employer. As a professional, the therapist has agreed to follow set guidelines. As a business, spa accountability includes running thorough background checks on employees and following up on every client complaint immediately.
When these entities fail to do their jobs correctly, you and your loved ones pay the price. Pressing charges or filing claims against them does not undo your experiences, but it can help you cope moving forward and prevent others from being victimized.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Minneapolis sexual abuse victims have a right to compensation under state law. If you have been assaulted during a spa session, know that certain actions protect your legal rights as a victim.
Sexual assault response steps should include the following:
- Getting somewhere safe. Avoid staying close to an assailant who may act against you. Only proceed to the next step when you are safe.
- Write down everything you can remember. The time and date of your appointment, the therapist’s name and physical description, and any details about your overall treatment and assault.
- Contact spa management and law enforcement. Management personnel should have policies in place to address inappropriate staff behaviors, which they can implement when you reach out. Local law enforcement officers will help you file an official complaint to document the assault and begin any claims against the therapist and business.
- Maintain evidence of the incident. It can be extremely hard for victims to do so, but it’s important to preserve as much evidence as possible. Avoid showering or washing clothes, and keep any receipts to support your claim. Write down information about witnesses as well.
Report sexual assault promptly to prevent issues with deadlines and ensure there’s plenty of time to file and negotiate. Seek legal advice from a qualified law office to give your case the best possible outcome.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
File a sexual assault report with your local law enforcement agency or the agency nearest the spa where the incident occurred. This approach puts you closer to justice and compensation for your traumatic experience.
Reporting the assault to management at the spa or reaching out to their corporate offices documents your complaint on their end. It allows them the opportunity to address the issue, though many companies lack correct policies and procedures. When they don’t have these guidelines in place, they bear liability for abuse.
Additional contact should be made with massage therapist licensing boards and local authorities with the city or county to make them aware of the issues. Minnesota law enforcement is just one of several entities that may get involved with a spa sexual misconduct report.
Lastly, the building’s owner may differ from the massage corporation. If so, you may have a premises liability case against them. The super lawyers at Florin|Roebig work to build attorney-client relationships so all avenues of a case can be considered with the plaintiffs.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota sexual assault laws protect the legal rights of victims of unwanted touching and other sexual conduct, including non-consensual penetration. For most cases involving adults, the statute of limitations is six years to report the crime to the authorities. If the victim was a minor at the time of the assault, the charges, which may include statutory rape, must be filed by the time the victim turns 24.
Spas and massage therapy offices have a duty of care to provide clients with a safe and relaxing environment. When a therapist violates that space, both the individual and the business can be found negligent. The perpetrator may commit the assault, but the company that hired them may not have followed appropriate hiring, vetting, and training practices.
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims varies based on the situation and the ages of both parties when the assault occurred. To figure out how Minnesota laws address your unique case, contact the sexual abuse attorneys at Florin|Roebig.
Why You Need a Minneapolis Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
The very nature of sexual assault means that it’s often an emotional violation as well as a physical one. Victims may find it impossible to tackle the legal side of things, especially when it comes to facing their attacker. It can impact your mental health and affect your ability to handle claims on your own.
Having experienced Minneapolis abuse attorneys in your corner means you don’t have to go it alone, and you have someone who can fight for you with legal expertise.
At Florin|Roebig, we put together a support team to investigate and build out your case. We know which questions to ask and how to gather evidence against the perpetrator and their employer so that your claims stand up in a legal battle.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor D. Roebig states, “We understand the sensitive nature of sexual assault cases, and we want clients to receive the compensation they deserve. A criminal defense attorney can help you win a criminal case against the perpetrator so they get prison time. A personal injury attorney helps win personal injury cases that cover the financial costs to you because of their choices.”
While the statute of limitations seems like a long time, know that the defendant and their attorney will take steps to delay proceedings. The sooner you file sexual assault claims, the better.
Florin|Roebig experienced sexual assault lawyers provide excellence in legal representation for sexual abuse victims, and we have testimonials from past clients to show our successes.
Our Featured Case Results
Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Damages in abuse cases are financial compensation that help recovering victims face the challenges ahead. Compensatory damages are most common, and they compensate you for several costs due to the assault.
Compensation for sexual assault victims may cover:
- Emotional trauma, such as pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, such as treatment for physical injuries or therapy
- Income, such as lost wages
Minneapolis sexual abuse claims can also include punitive damages, which punish gross negligence by the therapist and the spa where they worked. A qualified attorney helps you to put your case together, determine what claims should be filed, and ensure that all deadlines and fees are met.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys have been fighting for victims of sexual abuse for over 30 years. Our winning record includes a $47.4 million verdict in a massage abuse case, one of the highest jury verdicts given in a Florida personal injury lawsuit. Our Minneapolis spa sexual misconduct lawyers can do the same for you and your family members.
Our successes are big because our lawyers have put in the time to become board-certified and build a team full of knowledge and access to resources for all of our clients. We keep you informed about your case and the legal process so you always know where we are on it and what you can expect moving forward.
Although our experience helps us build a case, we ensure each legal strategy is customized to fit your unique case. You deserve justice and compensation for your experience. The top-rated sexual abuse lawyers at Florin|Roebig want to help you get it. Contact us for a free consultation today.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Yes. In some cases, you may have valid claims against both parties. Contact an attorney to discuss your claims, as a qualified legal expert can guide you through the process.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
The Minnesota statute of limitations for most sexual assault cases is six years or by your 24th birthday if you were under 18 when the incident occurred. While the evidence may be harder to find, you may still seek justice for the attack. A sexual assault lawyer can provide you with more information.
How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?
Six years if you were over 18 at the time. If you were under 18, then you have until you turn 24 to report it.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Physical evidence, such as the clothing you were wearing, along with medical reports detailing your injuries and treatment, is extremely helpful. Additionally, proof of your appointment, security footage, and witness statements are all valuable pieces of evidence. To determine whether you have sufficient evidence, consult with an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
It varies based on the contract you sign with your attorney of choice. Most sexual assault lawyers use a contingency fee structure for these cases. Rather than pay upfront, clients agree to give the attorney a portion of their settlement if they win.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Unwanted touching of any kind should be discouraged, and when it happens, Florin/Roebig attorneys can help you get through the aftermath. You shouldn’t have to face this alone. These incidents should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to prevent others from being victimized.
Florin/Roebig representatives are here to provide free consultations for clients seeking justice and answers. Our trusted legal team offers immediate legal help for sexual assault victims in the Twin Cities area, including cities like Woodbury, Minnetonka, and Bloomington.
Contact Florin|Roebig using our webpage to:
- Speak with us via online chat.
- Choose the phone number that works best for you.
- Receive a call or email in response to a contact form submission.
Our Minneapolis office is at:
7760 France Avenue South
Suite 130
Minneapolis, MN 55435
Begin your free consultation with one of our Minneapolis sexual abuse lawyers today. We work with clients all over our Minneapolis-St. Paul practice areas to help victims of sexual harassment and abuse. We’ll get you the maximum compensation for spa massage sexual assault.