On February 29, 2024, an Ohio jury returned a $10 million verdict against a massage therapist, for sexual assault. All 10 women testified that the male massage therapist pulled the drapes covering their bodies down, allowing him to view and massage each of the victim’s buttocks. Several claimed that the massage therapist also caressed their breasts.
The jury determined that the massage therapist sexually assaulted, or battered, all 10 plaintiffs, intentionally inflicted emotional distress on them, and invaded their privacy. The jury awarded the plaintiffs a combined $10,016,600.
The massage therapist was employed by a spa, Natural Remedies Massage, LLC, at the time of the sexual assaults. Natural Remedies settled with its 10 clients, for a confidential amount, prior to the trial in which the massage therapist was the only defendant.
The plaintiff’s psychology expert discussed how there is no “playbook,” or one way for victims respond to sexual assault. For example, the victim’s reaction could be delayed, she might not talk to her therapist regarding it right away, and she might have misplaced feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and shame. The expert explained why most plaintiffs froze on the massage table, and demonstrated counterintuitive victim behaviors. The psychology expert explained that following the incident, and how victims may withdraw from their social networks or develop various fears and phobias.
How can the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C. help you?
If you are a victim of sexual assault the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C., has a proven track record of assisting victims of sexual harassment and abuse. To determine if you have a strong case, please contact us at (914) 238-5800.