Sexual assault is a serious issue that can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims. Seeking justice provides victims compensation to help them recover from this ordeal and holds perpetrators responsible, preventing others from enduring the same trauma.
Beginning legal proceedings while dealing with the emotional fallout of a sexual assault can feel impossible, but victims do not have to face this ordeal without support. Working with an experienced Texas sexual assault victims’ attorney can ease this burden, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
The top-rated Texas massage sexual assault lawyers at Florin|Roebig offer free consultations and decades of combined experience prosecuting sexual assault cases. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
How to Know If Your Massage Involved Sexual Assault
Receiving a massage puts the client in a position of vulnerability, and professional masseurs should behave in a way that honors that trust. Unfortunately, predators are good at finding situations that allow them to take advantage of trust and vulnerability, often in subtle ways that can make victims doubt what they have experienced.
If you are wondering whether your massage involved sexual assault, trust your memories and judgment. Identifying massage sexual abuse can be difficult due to the intimate nature of massage situations. Still, some key indicators can help you differentiate between accidental touch and massage therapy misconduct in Texas.
Common signs of massage sexual assault include:
- Inappropriate touch during massage: Massages naturally involve a certain amount of touching. Depending on the type of massage, this could include touching close to intimate areas. However, your masseuse should never engage in sexual contact or direct contact with intimate areas like genitalia or breasts. If contact occurs accidentally, responsible practitioners will apologize, the action will not be repeated, and many will self-report the incident to their management.
- Coercion: Your masseuse should never attempt to convince or coerce you into contact that you are uncomfortable with. If, at any point during the massage, you asked them to avoid a particular area or requested that they not repeat a specific action and they attempted to convince you to let them continue or ignore your requests, then you may have grounds for an assault charge.
- Verbal impropriety: Your massage therapist should always speak to you professionally. You should never be subjected to inappropriate, foul, or sexual language during a massage. Comments about your appearance, inappropriate questions, or commentary on sexual preferences or desires can all be considered harassing behavior.
4 Steps to Take After The Massage Session
In the wake of an assault, it can be hard to think about taking action. Victims are often put into a state of fight, flight, or freeze in the wake of a trauma. If you feel as though you cannot take the steps below, know that you are not alone and not at fault. If possible, confide in a trusted friend or family member who can help you get legal help after sexual assault.
How to take steps after massage sexual assault:
- Speak to management at the spa or massage parlor and the local authorities as soon as possible. It’s crucial to report massage abuse quickly so witness statements and evidence can be collected in a timely way.
- Document all incident details for future legal action, including dates, times, and witness information. If possible, make a record of all conversations you have with anyone who works at the facility where the assault takes place.
- Practice self-care and seek medical and mental health support if you need it.
- Consult a qualified Texas sexual assault lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system in the wake of your trauma.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Sexual assault cases put enormous strain on victims already struggling with the trauma of being assaulted. Predators rely on victims being in a state of heightened emotion that prevents them from taking organized action. Working with a massage spa sexual assault lawyer who knows how to document and prosecute delicate cases like these robs predators of this advantage.”
Can I Sue For Sexual Assault During A Massage In Texas?
Victims can sue for massage sexual assault in Texas. Sexual assault is a criminal offense that also has civil remedies available to victims. Often, a case of sexual assault will be simultaneously prosecuted in a criminal trial and a civil trial.
While criminal trials can help hold predators accountable, if victims want compensation for massage abuse, they must take part in a civil personal injury trial. If you have intentionally or knowingly been touched sexually without your consent or if you have been subject to indecent exposure, you may have grounds for a Texas sexual assault lawsuit.
Compensation for massage abuse is awarded in the form of monetary damages. Damages can be compensatory, to cover physical, mental, emotional, or financial harm endured by the victim, or punitive, meant to punish the offender.
Prosecuting these cases can be difficult, especially if significant time has passed since the incident. Experienced massage sexual assault lawyers, like the ones at Florin|Roebig, help protect the legal rights of Texas sexual assault victims and get them the compensation they deserve.
Common Places Where Massage Assaults Occur
Texas spa sexual assault can occur in many places, often in situations where victims should be able to feel most relaxed and at ease.
Common massage assault locations and settings include:
- Spas
- Massage therapy centers
- Wellness retreats
- Home massage services
- Hotels/resorts
- Cruise ships
- Chiropractic centers
- Holistic medicine centers
When in the presence of a medical practitioner or on vacation, it’s normal to feel less vigilant than usual, but you can take steps to protect yourself.
Perpetrators of massage therapy center abuse and home massage sexual abuse thrive on silence and privacy. If you are interested in massage services, ensure that someone you trust is with you and that the masseuse and vendor are reputable and have a history of positive reviews.
Protecting yourself is essential, but it’s even more important to remember that your assault was not your fault. You deserve to be able to relax in the presence of supposed professionals. No amount of vigilance could have allowed you to predict or prevent massage therapy abuse completely.
Our Featured Case Results
Texas Massage Sex Assault Lawsuit Examples
Texas spa sexual abuse cases are tragically common. There have been several Texas massage sexual assault cases in the last few years, some of which are ongoing.
Recent sexual assault cases and sexual assault case results in Texas include the following:
- In 2023, two women who chose to remain anonymous won a $1 million settlement after being sexually assaulted by the same masseuse at a Massage Envy franchise in Conroe, Texas.
- A woman who was assaulted at a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Harris County, Texas, in 2021 has begun proceedings in a civil suit against her abuser. She is seeking $1 million in damages. The abuser, Gregory Quintero, has already been convicted in a criminal trial.
- A woman assaulted at the SpaHere located inside the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport in 2024 is pressing charges. The masseuse, Zantana Zuniga, was already the subject of four pending investigations.
Successfully prosecuting Texas massage sexual assault cases requires experience and compassion. Working with a lawyer can reduce the burden on the victim, decrease stress, and allow the client to focus on their physical and emotional health during a difficult time.
Experienced massage sexual assault lawyers like the ones at Florin|Roebig help their clients track down and preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and locate all responsible parties. We aim to build the strongest possible case to hold perpetrators accountable and get you the compensation you need to recover.
Understanding Liability in Sexual Assault Cases
When it comes to massage therapist abuse, responsibility may not rest on the masseuse alone. If the abuser was employed at a business, liability in Texas sexual assault cases may allow the victim to hold a broader range of individuals responsible.
For example, if the abuser worked for a massage parlor franchise, the owner of the franchise—or even the franchise itself—may also face sexual assault lawsuit liability if negligence can be proven.
If the abuser has a history of assault or complaints from other customers, you and your lawyer may be able to make a case for spa owner negligence in Texas. An experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you track down all responsible parties and hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.
Texas Statute Of Limitations For Sexual Assault Claims
The Texas sexual assault statute of limitations is generous. Generally, victims must file personal injury claims within two years of the inciting incident. However, the legal time limit for assault claims in Texas is five years from the time of the assault for adults.
For those who were minors at the time of their assault, the massage abuse claim deadline is even longer. In these cases, the filing deadline for sexual assault in Texas is up to 20 years after the victim turns 18.
Although the timeline for filing sexual assault charges is generous, it’s important to act as quickly as you can following an assault. Seeking legal help as soon as possible increases the likelihood that your claim will succeed.
Types of Damages Awarded in Sexual Assault Cases
Compensation for massage sexual assault can be divided into two primary categories: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages are awarded to victims to compensate them for loss or harm and can be awarded for:
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Reputational harm
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the perpetrator. They are meant to act as a deterrent against future harmful behavior.
The amount of Texas sexual assault damages awarded can vary from case to case. Factors that affect the award amount include, but are not limited to:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- The amount of lost income
- A previous history of assault on the defendant’s part
- The number of defendants. Is the lawsuit against the masseuse alone, or can the business owner or franchise also be held accountable?
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Our dedicated team of massage sexual assault attorneys has years of experience providing clients with expert, compassionate legal guidance leading to maximum compensation. If you have experienced sexual abuse in a spa or massage setting, know that you don’t have to fight alone. Reach out today for a free consultation.”
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Find A Trusted Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
Sexual assault is devastating. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, even in places and with professionals you should be able to trust. After a trauma, victims may feel afraid, confused, and alone. It can be hard to know how to proceed or what steps to take to hold your abuser and their employer accountable.
Seeking the help of a trusted Texas sexual assault lawyer, like the ones at Florin|Roebig, can make all the difference. Our firm has decades of combined experience and a sterling track record in sexual assault cases. Our expert and compassionate legal guidance helps reduce the burden on our clients as we fight for compensation on their behalf.
If you or someone you love is a victim of massage and spa sexual assault, don’t fight alone. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the massage therapist and the spa for sexual assault?
In some cases, it is possible to sue both the masseuse and the spa for sexual assault. An experienced massage sexual abuse lawyer can help you locate all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a sexual assault claim in Texas?
Adults who are over the age of 18 when their assault occurs have up to five years from the day of the assault to file a sexual assault claim in Texas. Those who are minors at the time of their assault may have up to 20 years after they turn 18 to file a claim.
What should I do if I’ve been sexually assaulted during a massage?
Report the assault to management and the local authorities as soon as possible. Next, seek legal guidance quickly. Working with a sexual assault lawyer with experience in massage and spa environments can help preserve necessary evidence and improve the odds that your case will succeed.
What types of compensation can I receive if I win my sexual assault case?
Compensation for sexual assault can be awarded in the form of compensatory damages—which compensate the victim for loss or harm—or punitive damages—meant to punish the perpetrator.
