Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer

Approximately 19% of Americans get a massage at least once a year, with 23% getting massages as a regular part of their wellness routine [1]. Globally, the massage industry is expected to grow 8.6% over the next ten years and reach a total value of $146.13 billion by 2034 [2].

A well-trained massage therapist can be a crucial resource for those suffering from excessive stress or chronic pain. However, massage therapy can have a dark side. 

There have been numerous cases of a massage therapist or client being sexually assaulted during what is meant to be a healing and rejuvenating experience, demonstrating that systemic issues imperil the well-being of all parties involved.

If you’ve been sexually abused during a massage therapy session, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our personal injury firm has years of experience in handling sexual assault claims related to massage parlors and other places of business. 

Understanding Sexual Misconduct During Massage Therapy

A massage session can convey many health benefits by relaxing muscles, reducing stress levels, and improving range of motion. However, many massage techniques require close contact between the client and the massage therapist, leaving either party vulnerable to inappropriate sexual contact.  

The Benjamin Institute notes that a predator can easily exploit the physical intimacy and vulnerability that occurs during a massage. The close contact, low lighting, and physical isolation of a massage room may lead to crossing boundaries accidentally or intentionally [3]. 

Therapists may use their position of authority against a vulnerable client, pressuring them to disrobe or assuring them that sexual contact is a normal element of a massage [4]. 

Sexual misconduct during a massage therapy session can include inappropriate touching, sexualized comments, or sexual assault. One of the largest sexual abuse cases related to message parlors occurred in 2017 when a BuzzFeed investigation found over 180 women had lodged complaints about massage therapists at Massage Envy locations across the country [5]. 

Despite the massive backlash against Massage Envy due to the investigation, sex crimes continue to occur on their premises. In 2022, two survivors of sexual assault came forward to allege they were sexually assaulted or inappropriately touched at a Houston branch of the massage company [6]. One of the women was infected with herpes due to the sexual assault [7]. 

In 2023, local law enforcement in Michigan received over half a dozen tips regarding sexual acts taking place at a Holland Township massage parlor, including an instance where a male therapist inappropriately touched a female client [8]. 

Earlier this year, a North Carolina massage practitioner was found guilty of sexual assault when a client fell asleep during a massage session. The man inappropriately touched her while she was sleeping.  He had previously sexually abused another woman at a separate parlor in the same city [9]. 

Massage therapists are also at risk of assault during a massage session. More than 70% of massage therapists report sexual harassment or sexual assault at the hands of their clients, with the majority experiencing some form of unwanted physical contact [10]. 

Earlier this year, a man was arrested after two separate sexual assaults at two different parlors in Oregon [11]. The man entered the parlor, attacked the victim, and then immediately fled, only to be captured later.

What a Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Do for You

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is uniquely equipped to assist sexual assault survivors who have been abused in massage parlors. We excel at understanding liability across different jurisdictions, compassionately representing victims, and meticulously conducting investigations that offer our clients the best chance of receiving compensation. 

Legal Expertise and Compassionate Advocacy

Our massage spa sexual assault lawyers are well-versed in all elements of a personal injury lawsuit, having represented hundreds of cases across the country. 

You’ll work with an experienced attorney who will guide you through the legal proceedings, protect your legal rights, and ensure the responsible parties are held liable in a court of law.

In addition to securing financial compensation, we strive to offer emotional support to our clients. We understand the needs of those who have experienced sexual assault and practice trauma-informed advocacy, relying on resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline and Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network to guide our work. 

Investigating the Assault

To obtain justice in a civil lawsuit, we must provide a preponderance of evidence proving the responsible party’s liability. 

Our legal team is renowned for our investigative skills. We’ll gather evidence such as a police report, medical records, security footage, and witness statements to create a clear and compelling picture of inappropriate sexual conduct.

Additionally, our law firm will perform a comprehensive review of the massage therapist’s background and that of the massage business. We’ll identify whether the massage practitioner had any previous allegations of sexual misconduct that the parlor may have ignored when hiring them. 

Determining Liability

In personal injury sexual assault lawsuits, multiple parties may share liability. We will identify who is wholly or partially responsible for the sexual assault and hold them accountable. This can include the individual massage therapist and their place of business. We’ll take legal action against all individuals or organizations that share the blame for your trauma.

Filing a Lawsuit and Seeking Compensation

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm that pursues civil lawsuits to compensate victims of negligence. We’ll first seek compensation through a settlement and then, if necessary, file a lawsuit against those responsible for this injustice. 

As the massage industry is a multi-million dollar business, companies work hard to prevent victims from receiving maximum compensation in cases of massage therapy sexual assault. Our team of skilled negotiators can hold them accountable and ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Navigating the Legal Process with Sensitivity and Support

Sexual assault during a massage is an incredibly traumatic experience that can damage a person’s psychological state for years to come. In taking legal action, we seek compensation to help you heal.

Our team takes the well-being of our clients seriously. We will connect you to resources for sexual assault survivors and keep you informed throughout the legal process, shielding you from third parties and handling all negotiations on your behalf. 

Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t need to worry about legal bills while you are recovering from your sexual assault. Everything, from the free case review to legal representation, costs you nothing upfront; we deduct our legal fees from your settlement instead.

Liable Parties in Massage Sexual Assault Cases

We may pursue legal action against several different parties in a massage parlor sexual assault case, which can include the following. 

• Massage Therapist – A massage therapist is trained to ensure client safety at all times, which includes avoiding sexual regions and keeping conversations appropriate. Those who inappropriately touch their clients or who commit sexual assault must be held accountable for failing to uphold their professional standards. 
• Massage Parlor – A massage spa or parlor may be accountable for negligent hiring practices, such as failing to perform background checks on applicants or accepting therapists who have prior criminal charges against them. They should also take any allegations of sexual abuse seriously and dismiss any therapist who has been credibly accused of sexual assault.
• Third Parties – In some instances, others may also be held liable. For example, a massage therapist who is sexually assaulted by a client can sue the individual responsible. A licensing board that fails to take action against a therapist with a sexual assault charge may be accountable for putting clients at risk. 

Seeking Compensation for Damages

Sexual assault cases in civil courts are aimed at receiving compensation for both the financial and emotional losses incurred by inappropriate conduct during a massage session. These are called damages and can encompass several elements, such as compensation for professional counseling and lost wages. 

The types of damages you may receive include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Counseling and therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. This is meant to punish the perpetrator for actions beyond gross negligence. Punitive damages are a rarer form of compensation and may not apply to your case. 

Proving Damages

Damages are proven through tangible evidence and expert witness testimony. Economic damages are those with a discrete dollar amount attached, such as bills for medical attention, therapy invoices, or time off work.

We will also work with expert witnesses who can attest to the severe harm that sexual abuse can cause to a victim, including the psychological and social effects. This will help justify the damages for more intangible elements, such as pain and emotional distress.

Finally, we will work with you to identify how your life has changed since the sexual assault. For example, suppose you were forced to give up favorite hobbies due to the trauma, or you experienced a worsening of a chronic condition that had been alleviated through massage. This can be further evidence that justifies our requested damages in that case. 

The Legal Process for Massage Sexual Assault Cases

Our team of personal injury lawyers will guide you through each element of your court case, ensuring you are supported at every step. The lawsuit process involves the following steps. 

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in massage settings follows personal injury law. The statute of limitations for these types of lawsuits varies by state, ranging from one year to five years. It’s crucial that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin working on your case and ensure we do not miss the deadline to file a lawsuit. 

Consult Our Massage Sexual Assault Lawyers Today!

Massage parlors are meant to be places of healing where clients can unwind with the careful attention of a skilled masseuse. Unfortunately, clients or therapists may be sexually assaulted by predatory individuals who exploit the intimacy of this setting. 

If you’ve been harmed in a massage parlor, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you achieve justice. We have recovered millions in damages for our clients and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we can win compensation for you.

To schedule your free case evaluation, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form. 

References: [1] Massage Therapy Center Palo Alto, [2] Future Market Insights, [3] The Benjamin Institute, [4] The Benjamin Institute, [5] The Florida Times-Union, [6] FOX-26, [7] FOX-26, [8] FOX-17, [9] Charlotte Alerts News, [10] Gale Academic OneFile, [11] KGW8, [12] Chuck Grassley