Patients must have a deep sense of trust and be vulnerable to their therapists to receive the benefits they need and deserve from this mental health treatment. However, some therapists may act inappropriately and unethically in response. This could include engaging in sexual contact or even establishing an intimate sexual relationship. This, along with other abuse by therapists, is never OK.
If you are in Florida, a personal injury lawyer from Jenner Law is handling therapist abuse cases in your state. We advocate for patients who suffer emotional distress and require additional mental health care because of their therapist’s failure to adhere to proper professional and ethical boundaries. Contact us today for a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help you take legal action.
How Will a Florida Therapist Abuse Lawyer Know If I Have a Case?
The level of trust necessary between a therapist and a patient is extremely high. Without being vulnerable and sharing deeply held secrets with a therapist, the treatment may not have the desired positive results on the patient’s mental and emotional well-being. However, this often leads to the patient feeling they have developed a friendship or close relationship with their therapist. This is known as transference.
Transference makes it incredibly easy for a therapist to take advantage of a patient, including abusing or exploiting them. This could look like any of the following:
- Crossing professional boundaries regarding the patient
- Engaging in sexual activity with the patient
- Establishing an ongoing intimate relationship with the patient even in the absence of sexual contact
Therapists are trained to recognize and protect their patients from transference, not exploit the situation.
It is important to note that, because of their doctor-patient relationship, a patient cannot consent to an intimate relationship with their therapist. This type of relationship is abuse. It can cause significant and lasting harm, requiring additional therapy for a patient who no longer trusts receiving this type of health care and support.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
Our Florida Therapist Abuse Lawyers Identify Your Recoverable Damages
Recoverable damages in a therapist abuse case depend greatly on the case’s circumstances and injuries suffered. Our attorneys will identify, document, and value the economic and non-economic damages recoverable under the applicable state laws.
This includes the pain, suffering, and emotional distress that is often extreme in these cases. It could also include additional intangible losses in some cases.
It also considers the current and future economic expenses and costs the client incurs because of the abuse they endured. This often includes:
- Current and future treatment for physical injuries that occurred
- Additional therapy and mental health care required for the painful emotional injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.
- Lost income due to time missed at work
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as travel to see a new therapist or parking at the doctor’s office during sessions
Many people falsely believe they did not endure significant damages because of their therapist’s behavior. Our attorneys can identify and document many types of expenses and losses in these cases. Let us review your case for free today.
How Can Jenner Law Help With My Florida Therapist Abuse Case?
Jenner Law represents clients who are hurt and betrayed by the therapist hired to help them heal. Our legal team investigates these cases, develops a strong argument for justice, and advocates for our clients’ best interests. We have nearly four decades of experience seeking fair compensation for our clients—and winning.
While we have offices in several states, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts, we know these are not the only areas where therapist abuse occurs. We provide representation in Florida and other jurisdictions in conjunction with local counsel. There are no additional legal fees associated with this arrangement.
We are a contingency fee law firm, so we never ask clients to pay upfront fees. We will meet with you, manage your case, and recover fair compensation before we ask for a dime. We have a no-win, no-fee policy. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more.
How Does a Florida Therapist Abuse Attorney Build a Compelling Case?
The actions our Florida therapist abuse lawyers take while handling a case will depend on its circumstances. You can expect us to provide a safe, compassionate space for you to speak openly about what you experienced. Everything you share with our team will remain confidential except when we ask you to give a deposition or testify.
When your side of the story is known, our attorneys can launch an investigation that identifies the evidence available and documents your damages. This could include:
- Your deposition or other sword statements
- Texts, emails, and other communications between therapist and patient
- Any evidence of a romantic relationship
- Eyewitness statements
- Relevant treatment records, such as the frequency and length of your sessions
- Documentation of your economic and non-economic damages
Your lawyer will advocate for your interests from start to finish and pursue every avenue for disciplinary action against the mental health professional your case involves. They will manage all aspects of your Florida therapist abuse case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Like other types of injury cases, therapist abuse cases often settle outside of court. We do not always need to take these cases through a difficult and stressful trial.
However, when necessary, we will prepare and file a Florida therapist abuse lawsuit. If necessary, we will prepare to take the case against the mental health provider to a jury trial. Throughout this process, we will work to minimize the effects this has on you and eliminate as much stress about the situation as possible.
We understand how difficult this is and that the legal process could make it seem worse before it gets better. We are here to ease the stress you may feel and fight for recovery on your behalf.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Discuss Your Florida Therapist Abuse Case With Our Legal Team for Free
Jenner Law offers free consultations for those hurt by their therapist in Florida. Our compassionate and understanding team knows how difficult it is to talk about the abuse, but we want to help you get justice and start the healing process that could bring you a sense of closure. We are here when you need us the most.
We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible. We may have up to two years to file your civil lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. Contact us today to speak with our team about your legal options and next steps.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form