Massage Sexual Assault Attorney in Houston, TX

Were you touched in an inappropriate way during a massage in Texas? If so, you may feel confused, embarrassed, and unsure whether what happened to you “counts” as assault. It does. Sexual contact without your consent is never acceptable, regardless of the setting. A massage table is no exception.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we believe you, and we’re ready to fight for the justice and accountability you deserve. When you come to us for help, we’ll listen to your story without judgment and help you understand every legal option available to you, with zero pressure or obligation.

Reach out to us today to arrange a free, confidential initial consultation with a reputable massage sexual assault attorney.

Texas Law Against Sexual Contact in Massage Therapy Sessions

Texas law sets clear standards for massage therapists and the establishments that employ them. The Texas Occupations Code requires massage establishments to hold state licenses, maintain professional conduct standards, and prohibit any form of sexual contact on their premises. Violations of these standards can expose therapists and businesses to regulatory consequences. They can also form the basis of a civil sexual assault lawsuit.

It’s worth noting that Texas law treats licensed massage therapists as healthcare services providers. Per the Texas Penal Code, that status means that a massage therapist who exploits a client’s trust or emotional dependency to engage in sexual contact has committed sexual assault as a matter of law. This provision exists because the massage setting involves a significant power imbalance between the massage therapist and their client.

What Counts as Sexual Assault in Texas?

Under Texas law, sexual assault occurs when someone intentionally engages in sexual contact or penetration with another person without that person’s consent. In the massage context, this can include a wide range of unwanted touching, not just conduct that might seem obviously criminal. Texas law specifically recognizes that consent is absent when a healthcare services provider, such as a licensed massage therapist, exploits their client’s trust or dependency to commit a sexual act.

Aggravated sexual assault, a more serious offense, applies when the assault involves serious bodily injury, the use of a weapon, or a victim under 14 years of age, among other circumstances. Both offenses carry serious criminal penalties, and both can support a civil claim. You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil lawsuit, and your claim can proceed whether or not the state ever even took action.

What Should You Do If a Massage Therapist Touches You Inappropriately?

An inappropriate or unwanted touch during a massage session can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. If this has happened to you, try to take the following steps as soon as you’re able:

  • Notify Law Enforcement – File a report with your local police as soon as you feel safe doing so, even if you’re unsure whether a crime occurred.
  • Seek Medical Attention – See a doctor or visit an emergency room to address any physical injuries and to document the assault in your medical records.
  • Preserve Evidence – Keep the clothing you wore to the appointment, and avoid washing it before speaking with an attorney or law enforcement.
  • Document Everything – Write down everything you remember about the assault, including the date, time, location, the therapist’s name, and what happened, while the details are still fresh.
  • Request Records – Ask for a copy of your appointment records from the massage establishment, including intake forms and session notes.
  • Contact a Massage Sexual Assault Lawsuit Attorney – Reach out to a lawyer with experience in sexual assault civil claims as soon as possible to explore your legal rights and options.

Legal Options for Massage Therapists Assaulted While Working

Sexual assault in the massage industry doesn’t only happen to clients. Massage therapists themselves can be, and are, victims of assault by clients. If you work as a massage therapist and a client assaults you, you may have a civil claim against that client and, in some cases, against your employer as well.

Massage establishments have a legal duty to provide safe working environments for their employees. An establishment that fails to screen clients, ignores staff complaints, or takes no meaningful steps to protect staff may face liability for any harm its employees suffer.

Beyond client-on-therapist sexual assault in massage parlors, some establishments coerce or pressure their employees into unwanted sexual contact with clients. This can occur through threats, manipulation, or exploitation of a worker’s immigration status or financial vulnerability. That kind of conduct can give rise to civil claims against establishments for assault, coercion, or participation in trafficking.

Damages Available in Sexual Assault Civil Claims

Survivors of sexual assault by massage therapists or clients in Texas can pursue civil claims separate from any criminal cases against the perpetrators. A successful civil claim may allow you to recover damages (monetary compensation) for a wide range of losses, including the following:

  • Past and future costs of physical treatment related to the assault
  • Therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care
  • Income lost due to the physical or psychological impact of the assault
  • Reduced ability to work in the future as a result of the assault
  • Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life stemming from the assault

Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Assault Survivors

Texas’s deadlines for filing civil claims arising from sexual assault vary depending on the nature of the assault and the age of the survivor. For adults who were sexually assaulted, the statute of limitations is generally five years from the date the cause of action accrues. For survivors who were minors at the time of the assault, Texas law allows up to 30 years to bring a claim.

If you wait too long to take legal action, it could mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. That said, the specific facts of your situation can affect which deadline applies, and certain circumstances may affect how the legal system handles your case.

The best way to understand your options is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is ready to review your situation and explain where you stand.

How an Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyer in Houston, TX, Can Help

fibich footer logoA sexual assault during a massage is a serious violation, and the law gives you real options for seeking accountability and compensation. The massage sexual assault attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs have spent decades fighting for survivors across Texas, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

When you’re ready, contact us for your free, fully confidential consultation to learn more about your legal options.