In many civil cases, the key questions are whether an incident qualifies as assault and whether it meets Minnesota’s legal criteria for seeking damages. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. At Florin|Roebig, our experienced attorneys provide compassionate legal guidance on all sexual harassment matters, understanding the complexities of pursuing compensation in such sensitive cases.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor D. Roebig states, “Whether it’s exposure, fondling, penetration, or any other inappropriate sexual conduct, it should never occur. We focus on helping you get a settlement that allows you to recover your physical and mental health and take care of family members. Secondary to that, we want to prevent others from going through similar experiences and keep spas and negligent therapists from continuing to abuse clients.”
Approximately 50% of women and 30% of men have been sexually assaulted in some way. The consequences of such violence can be obvious, like physical injuries, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or pregnancy. Less apparent symptoms can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other types of pain and suffering. All of these outcomes make your life harder because of another’s actions.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Sexual assault in a spa or during a massage can be a little tricky to determine because you may remove most of your clothing for the service. Many massage techniques can include areas that are close to sexual body parts. However, professional spas and massage parlors should converse with each client about any off-limits areas, and sexual areas should always be no-touch.
If you were made uncomfortable during a massage, you have the right to speak up about it. Massage therapists should never:
- Make sexual comments or suggestions
- Touch you in sexual places
- Ask you to touch them sexually
- Touch you with their sexual parts
- Expose themselves to you
- Expose your sexual parts to themselves
Massage therapist sexual assault is a betrayal in a place that should feel safe and relaxing. Inappropriate touching during massage may lead to trauma that affects other parts of your life, making it difficult or impossible to spend time alone with a person of the opposite sex. Intimacy in personal relationships can be challenged. You may regularly feel as though something is off without fully processing why.
Studies have shown there is a significant impact on victim’s lives and those around them. An inability to perform normally at work or school and have normal relationships affects your future earnings potential and quality of life.
When these scenarios occur, file spa misconduct claims with the business and local law enforcement. If your massage is offered through medical providers, you may also consider a medical malpractice suit and complaints to medical licensing boards. Call a Saint Paul law office like Florin|Roebig to determine your options.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
The nature of spa services, especially massages, makes it easy for abusers to exploit the process. Services are often one-on-one to maintain a relaxing environment, and much touching is involved. It can make you question whether an experience was inappropriate or simply part of the service, but anything that makes you uncomfortable shouldn’t happen.
The causes of massage sexual misconduct may fall solely on the therapist, or it may also be the spa’s responsibility. Exploring therapist abuse of trust is one legal avenue we consider while building a sexual assault case. Spa accountability is another factor.
Unfortunately, some businesses offer spa services without taking proper precautions. Shortchanging background checks and reference contacts often means the customer pays the price. A lack of procedures for dealing with complaints (or preventing incident occurrence) usually leads to a client like you who gets the runaround with different answers from each spa employee when you try to file a formal complaint or have your concern addressed.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
When you’re sexually assaulted during a visit to the spa or a massage in St. Paul, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Preventing additional assault by leaving the immediate area is of utmost concern. Once you’ve reached safety, write down or record what happened. Include the therapist’s name, appointment date and time, and troublesome behaviors.
Notify the spa or business where you received the massage of the issue, and create an official record with law enforcement. These steps can be hard, but you must report the sexual assault to hold the at-fault parties responsible. If you need help at any stage, Florin/Roebig is available to answer questions and offer guidance for St. Paul sexual abuse victims.
Any evidence you retain further strengthens your case. For example, the clothing you were wearing, receipts, and witness information can help prove the assault and protect your legal rights to compensation.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
File a sexual assault report with the Minnesota law enforcement office closest to your home or the business where the incident occurred. To file a spa sexual misconduct report, you’ll need to review the policies for the business. If those policies don’t exist or are unclear, contact the management. You can file by phone, but follow up with a letter to the business for records purposes.
Licensing boards for massage therapy, spas, and local governing bodies should also receive your complaint.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Minnesota
When you’ve been sexually assaulted, you have a right to compensation. A civil lawsuit against the offending party can reimburse you for financial, physical, and emotional distress caused by sexual assault. Legal rights for victims are best protected by working with a qualified attorney.
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims depends on your age when assaulted. Minors have until their 24th birthday to file against their abuser. Most other victims have six years under Minnesota sexual assault laws. Contact a sexual assault attorney for specifics on how the statute of limitations applies to your case.
Personal injury cases can be filed against the perpetrator for sex abuse and their employer for negligence. Plaintiffs bear the burden of proof in civil cases, meaning you must prove that the spa neglected background checks and other required hiring practices. Such failures by the company can mean they’ve placed a known sex offender where victims are easily found. And if they knowingly hired someone with a history of sexual assault, then we factor in gross negligence.
Why You Need a St. Paul Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Experienced sexual assault lawyers can make all the difference in your well-being during and after your case. Complex legal issues require the finesse of St. Paul abuse attorneys at Florin|Roebig to maximize the positive outcome of your case.
Lawyer Taylor D. Roebig explains, “The defendant’s attorneys, spa management, and insurance companies will attempt any number of misleading tactics to delay justice and avoid payouts. Our practice areas include Minneapolis, Bloomington, Woodbury, and all other cities in the Twin Cities metro area. When you’ve been the victim of non-consensual sexual acts, contact Florin|Roebig for legal representation for sexual abuse.”
Pursuing civil claims for compensation while pressing criminal charges allows you to seek punishment for the guilty party and a settlement to take care of personal costs. Working with professionals for legal assistance sets a reliable foundation for your cases. Legal support includes investigating the assailant and business and collecting evidence to prove your claims.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
St. Paul sexual abuse claims can help you regain some of what you’ve lost in being attacked. Compensation for sexual assault victims takes care of financial burdens and translates trauma into a dollar amount to provide for future needs.
Damages in abuse cases may include:
- Replacement of lost wages or other financial losses
- Compensation for emotional trauma, like pain and suffering
- Settlements for spouses for loss of consortium
- Care for physical injuries or therapy, such as medical bills and other medical expenses
Victims may also be awarded punitive damages. However, these are in addition to other damages and are uncommon. Their purpose is to exact punishment on the responsible party rather than reimburse the victims.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys are a dedicated and board-certified team. We’ve built a legacy of top-rated sexual abuse lawyers on 30+ years of case wins, including a massage abuse case that was awarded a record-setting $47.4 million verdict.
As part of our legal strategy, we’ll review your evidence and personal account. We’ll speak to witnesses and experts to develop a full understanding of what occurred. And we’ll cater our approach to match your needs and the details of your case. If you want the best St. Paul spa sexual misconduct lawyers for the job, contact Florin|Roebig today.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Possibly both. While the massage therapist committed the assault, the spa may be liable for many reasons. Contacting Florin|Roebig will help you get answers that fit your specific situation.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
The statute of limitations gives you six years or until your 24th birthday if you were a minor at the time. However, the sooner you report the assault, the longer your attorneys have to build your case and combat bad-faith actions.
How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?
Up to age 24, if you were a minor when assaulted. In most other cases of sexual assault, you have six years.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Physical evidence like clothing and DNA from the assault are strong indicators. Receipts, witness statements, and your account are also important. The more evidence you provide, the higher your chances of winning your case.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Sexual assault cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis most of the time. Your attorney is promised a portion of your settlement, so they only get paid if they win.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Sexual assault often leaves victims feeling powerless. With help from St. Paul sexual abuse lawyers, you can hold untrustworthy massage therapists and spa owners accountable.
The first step to justice is contacting Florin|Roebig attorneys:
- Message us using our chat feature.
- Let us get back to you by submitting our online form.
- Call us at the best phone number for you.
- Visit our Minneapolis office at:
7760 France Avenue South
Suite 130
Minneapolis, MN 55435
We provide excellent legal help for sexual assault victims, and you deserve compensation when a spa massage therapist violates your trust.
