Soothe Massage App Sexual Assault Lawsuit Lawyer

Over the years, it’s been easier for people to connect with all sorts of industry experts, thanks to mobile apps and websites that serve as online marketplaces. Soothe is one of these apps, made for the purpose of connecting people with massage therapists. You can also find hair stylists and skincare specialists on the app, but most of the bookings involve some form of massage therapy.

Sadly, not everyone receives the benefits of health and relaxation from a massage appointment. This is due to a predatory individual who takes advantage of an unsuspecting client and uses them for sexual gratification. As a victim of massage sexual assault, you may be entitled to monetary damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and medical costs. To learn more about suing Sooth or another wellness app for sexual assault by a massage pro, contact our law firm today.

Acts of Sexual Misconduct by a Massage Therapist

Inevitably, massage involves physical contact between the client and the professional that’s providing the service. But there are plenty of ways to ensure appropriate and professional conduct during a massage session.

For example, you should never cross boundaries that make the client feel uncomfortable, like touching them in specific areas. Even if no touching occurs, there are things you can say that are sexual in nature, and this is inappropriate between professionals and their clients.

To help you understand how sexual assault and harassment can happen at a massage appointment, here are some red flags to look out for:

• Unwanted touching: in essence, physical contact that is unwelcome or unwarranted in the context of a massage appointment.
• Suggestive comments: sexually harassing remarks, like telling a client how attractive they are or talking about a subject that is sexual in nature when there is no reason to do so.
• Failure to respect your boundaries: not respecting your personal boundaries, like not touching you in a certain area of your body, or failing to stop the massage when it’s clear that you are uncomfortable.
• Inappropriate behavior: basically, any conduct that goes beyond what is needed to perform the service, like asking questions about your personal life or trying to pressure you into something you are unsure about.

Can I File a Lawsuit against Soothe for Sexual Assault?

Yes, you sue a massage app or any other online marketplace for sexual assault by one of their service providers. These companies have a habit of denying liability when it comes to criminal acts by someone using their app. Their argument is that they are simply a platform that connects professionals with customers, so whatever happens between these entities is a private matter.

However, this is far from the truth, which you can tell from the following statement on Soothe’s website:

“A vetted, background-checked independent professional arrives at your door with everything needed.”

Clearly, they are acknowledging that they have a duty of care when it comes to the customers that book appointments through their app. For example, applicants must submit to a criminal background check in order to have a listing on the app. This way, the company can ensure that the massage pro does not have a previous record of sexual assault.

Aside from hiring practices, the company must have a system in place for what to do when they are notified of sexual misconduct by a massage therapist. This will vary somewhat from one company to another, but as a general rule, law enforcement should be contacted so that the accused individual can be investigated. In the meantime, it’s essential to deactivate this person’s account in order to protect others from possible incidents of sexual abuse.

The truth is, third party platforms have a tendency to place customer service at the bottom of their priority list. From rideshare apps to vacation rental listings, there is no shortage of complaints regarding the lack of care and attention when customers are having problems. Even when the allegations are serious, like someone being sexually assaulted during a massage, companies fail to act appropriately or even extend any level of compassion or understanding to the victim.

The result of all this is that rapists and other dangerous individuals are allowed to stay on the app and find new people to victimize. As you can see, negligence by Soothe can take place in various ways, and proving that a company neglected their duty of care to you is a complicated process. To protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve, schedule a free case evaluation with a Soothe massage app sexual assault attorney.

Statute of Limitations for a Sexual Assault Lawsuit against Soothe

As someone who was of adult age when they were sexually assaulted, the time limit to file a lawsuit is 10 years. The statute of limitations normally begins on the same date as the incident, but if there was more than one case of sexual abuse, it would start on the date of the most recent incident.

The time period of 10 years to file a lawsuit is absolute in most cases, but there may be exceptions based on details that are specific to each claimant. So, it’s important to verify the deadline for a lawsuit by talking to a lawyer with experience in cases of sexual assault by massage therapists.

Contact Kenmore Law Group

The sexual abuse lawyers of Kenmore have decades of litigation experience on behalf of sexual assault victims. We have what it takes to secure a settlement or verdict in your favor and ensure that the responsibility party pays for their negligent conduct.

We also understand that filing a lawsuit is a big decision, so we invite you to a free consultation where you can learn about your rights and legal options. If proceeding with a massage pro sexual assault claim is right for you, there’s no need to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. With coverage under the Zero Fee Guarantee, all legal fees are charged to the party you are suing and recovered by us as a part of your settlement award. This is the only form of payment we receive, so you owe us $0 out of pocket, no matter what happens in your lawsuit.

Our legal experts are waiting to hear your story and guide you through the available legal options. Contact our office and schedule a free, confidential case review.