Nowadays, we are used to ordering all kinds of things and services through a mobile app or website. For those who are in need of a massage, Soothe makes it easy to pick a massage pro in your area and set up an appointment right in the comfort of your own home. The company offers other services as well, like facials and haircuts, but it’s clear that massage therapy is the company’s most popular service.
Unfortunately, there is a degree of risk when you invite a stranger into your home, and this includes that possibility of physical or sexual assault. Incidents of massage sexual assaults have become more frequent in recent years due to the popularity of platforms like Soothe. If you were sexually abused during a massage appointment that was booked on Soothe, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the company.
For more information on your rights and legal options, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm.
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Sexual Assault / Misconduct During a Massage
In essence, sexual misconduct by massage therapist involves any unwanted or inappropriate behavior of a sexual manner. This can include direct acts of sexual assault, as well as sexual comments or solicitation for sexual favors.
With massage therapy, directly touching the customer is part of the job, so clearly, there must be some level of physical contact. But a professional masseur understands the boundaries that should never be crossed and behaviors that would be perceived as sexual by the average person. Some acts of sexual abuse are very subtle, while others, like rape and attempted rape, are blatant and unmistakable.
To give you an idea of how a massage therapist can be rightfully accused of sexual misconduct, here are the signs that you should look out for:
- Unwanted touching: – this refers to any contact that goes beyond what is necessary to provide a massage. For example, a masseur should never be touching areas that are near the genitals or breasts without explicit consent from the client
- Sexually suggestive comments: these include remarks of a sexual nature, like comments about the client’s body or anything sexual in nature that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Ignoring your boundaries: not honoring your request to stop what they’re doing, including not touching you on certain areas of the body.
- Behavioral red flags: unprofessional behavior, like asking personal questions or coercing you into something you are uncomfortable with.
Can I File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit against Soothe?
Yes, it’s possible to sue third party platforms like Soothe for sexual assault by one of their wellness providers. Companies that connect customers with independent contractors typically deny responsibility for these incidents, as they are not the party that committed the act of abuse or assault. While this is true, that doesn’t free them from liability in the legal sense.
If you look at Soothe’s website, they guarantee that you will be connected with a “vetted, background-checked independent professional.” So, they clearly understand that they have a degree of care to the people using their services, i.e., making sure that masseurs do not have a history of sexual abuse and other incidents of harm.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the individual hasn’t committed acts of sexual assault, which is why Soothe must take all customer complaints seriously. This includes taking immediate action, like contacting the police, upon being told about an act of sexual misconduct. The massage therapist should also have their account suspended – at least on a temporary basis – until they are cleared of any wrongdoing by law enforcement.
Unfortunately, many apps and online platforms have a poor reputation when it comes to customer service. From rideshare apps like Uber to Airbnb and other rental sites, there are countless stories from people who were given the run-around or blatantly ignored when they had serious complaints, like sexually inappropriate behavior. In many cases, the victim gives up after weeks or months of trying to get the company to take them seriously. That’s why dangerous contractors remain on the platform and continue to victimize people over and over again.
Ultimately, your case will have its own set of circumstances that will determine your right to sue for sexual assault by a massage pro on Soothe. Discussing these issues with a massage sexual abuse lawsuit attorney is the best course of action, so contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Filing a Sexual Assault Claim – How Long Do I have?
Adults who are sexually assaulted or abused have 10 years from the incident date to file a claim for monetary damages. In the event there was more than 1 incident of abuse on different dates, the statute of limitations would start from the most recent incident.
While the 10-year rule applies in most cases, there may be issues that are specific to your case that allow for an extension beyond the normal deadline for a massage sexual misconduct lawsuit. With that in mind, it’s important to contact a sexual assault lawyer and confirm how much time you have for a lawsuit against Soothe massage app.
Contact Our Law Firm
Our legal team consists of sexual abuse attorneys with decades of experience in the recovery of settlements and verdicts for sexual assault victims. We know that you are a feeling a wide variety of emotions as you struggle to deal with the trauma of what you went through. Please know that our lawyers are here for you, and we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you decide that filing a lawsuit is right for you, there is no need to pay us upfront, as we operate under the Zero Fee Guarantee. The settlement you receive from the defendant includes the cost of legal fees, meaning we get paid at the same time you do. Even more important, you owe us absolutely nothing in the event we fail to obtain compensation on your behalf.
A Soothe massage app sexual abuse lawyer is waiting to speak with you, so call us today and schedule a free consultation.
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