Therapists have a responsibility to care for their patients in a way that promotes personal growth and stability. To achieve these goals, therapists often know intimate details about their patients’ lives. Unfortunately, the level of intimacy necessary for a successful therapist-patient relationship makes it easy for unethical therapists to abuse and take advantage of their patients.
Any situation in which a therapist uses their position to exploit a patient can be considered therapy abuse. At Jenner Law, we handle a variety of therapy abuse cases. Right now, you can start a free case review about partnering with a Tampa therapy abuse lawyer from our firm. We’re ready to seek compensation for what you need.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Tampa Therapist Abuse Lawsuit?
At Jenner Law, we understand that every therapy abuse case is different. This means that you may recover a different set of damages than someone in a similar situation.
Examples of compensable losses include:
- Healthcare expenses. You may have required care in a psychiatric institution or medications to help with your mental health after suffering therapy abuse.
- Pain and suffering. You might feel betrayed after placing your trust in a therapist and suffering abuse. Pain and suffering in your case could account for your mental health complications and other related hardships. This may include mental anguish, PTSD and trauma, and reduced quality of life.
These are just some of the damages you could seek through an insurance claim or lawsuit. When you consult our therapy abuse team in Tampa, FL, we can explain what other damages you can recover through legal action.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
What You Can Expect from Your Tampa Therapist Abuse Attorney?
When you partner with Jenner Law, you can trust your lawyer to:
- Gather evidence of your abuse, including your personal testimony
- Determine whether a claim or lawsuit is your best option for compensation
- File your case within any statutory deadlines
- Review the therapist’s history for prior instances of abuse
- Keep you updated on your case’s progression
- Explain your legal options
- Manage all case-related communications
Your best interests are our best interests. We will do everything possible to resolve your case and recover compensation for what you need to move forward.
We Advocate for Survivors of Therapy Abuse on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Unlike other attorneys, we do not charge upfront retainers or hourly rates. Instead, we work on a contingency-fee basis––meaning that a percentage of your financial award will pay for our services after the resolution of your case.
During the process, we pay for your case’s consulting fees, filing costs, and other obligations, so you don’t have to worry about the expenses associated with filing your case when we advocate for you.
What Constitutes Therapist Abuse in Florida?
Therapists have a duty to care for their patients in a way that enhances the patient’s psychological health and does not cause harm. The intimacy inherent in therapist-patient relationships can lead to a phenomenon called transference, in which the patient emotionally relates to the therapist as they would to a parent, family member, friend, or romantic partner.
Transference in itself is a common occurrence that can sometimes be used to aid in the therapy process. However, in some cases, a therapist will develop feelings for their client and begin to project their own unresolved issues onto them. This is called “countertransference” and is extremely dangerous for therapy clients who are already in a vulnerable position.
While patients would, under normal circumstances, likely be able to recognize unethical or harmful behavior, patients experiencing transference are more likely to trust and obey their therapists without question. The uneven power dynamic created by emotional transference can lead therapists to exploit and manipulate their clients. Therapists may even use this power to groom patients and form a romantic relationship, especially if the therapist is experiencing countertransference.
Recognize the Signs of Therapist Abuse
Your therapist might not have intended to harm you. They genuinely may have believed that their methods would have benefited you. However, all therapists must follow the guidelines set in place by state and professional licensing boards.
Examples of therapy abuse include:
- Unprofessional language, shouting, and violence
- Unnecessary or intimate physical contact
- Violation of personal space
- Misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatment
- Prescribing incorrect medication or treatment
- Breach of confidentiality
- Contact with the patient outside a professional setting
- Sexual or romantic interactions
- Encouraging patient dependency
- Client abandonment
This is not an exhaustive list of therapy abuse. You may have suffered other adverse events or harmful behaviors than those listed here. If so, our therapy abuse lawyers in Tampa are ready to hear from you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Long do I Have to Take Action?
The deadline to file will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Your attorney can interpret the statute of limitations for your situation and ensure they meet filing deadlines.
However, don’t wait to secure a lawyer. We will need to conduct an investigation to build a strong case. Gathering evidence will take time, so contact our firm as soon as you suspect you are experiencing counselor abuse.
If you miss the deadline to file, you may be forever barred from pursuing your case. It’s also possible your case will be thrown out, or you may be unable to demand fair compensation from the liable party. We will fight to protect your right to compensation as we track these requirements on your behalf.
Questions and Answers About Therapy Abuse in Tampa, FL
You may have one or more of the following questions on your mind:
What If My Therapist Refutes Any Allegations of Abuse?
If your therapist refuses to admit any wrongdoing, it’s your word against theirs. This is what makes evidence collection crucial. By reviewing the therapist’s history of treating patients, reviewing their case notes, and consulting with experts, we can support your right to damages.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
In some cases, your lawyers will pursue your financial award through a lawsuit instead of a claim. You don’t have to be intimidated by litigation. You can trust that our team will manage everything your lawsuit entails from beginning to end. We will prepare you for court proceedings, protect you from your abuser, and fight for you in front of the judge or jury.
Contact a Tampa Therapist Abuse Lawyer at Jenner Law
If you were exploited, abused, or otherwise harmed by an unethical therapist, Jenner Law’s therapy abuse attorneys are here to help. Our founding partner, Robert K. Jenner has successfully represented those injured by negligence-based accidents, medical malpractice, and therapy abuse for more than 30 years. He and his team are committed to seeking justice and compensation for your losses.
No matter how your therapist abused your trust, our attorneys will hear your case and guide your next steps. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form