If you wonder what damages are recoverable in a therapist abuse case, you may consider contacting an attorney. It would be a personal injury attorney that handles therapist abuse, clergy misconduct, or authority exploitation cases.
When you are harmed mentally, emotionally, financially, or even sexually by someone you turned to for help, you may be entitled to collect damages. If someone in a position of authority abused you, you may have suffered many different types of injuries for which you should seek relief.
Types of Damages You May Be Able to Collect
You may need to discuss your case with a therapist abuse lawyer and review your local and state regulations. Still, recoverable damages in a therapist abuse case can include some of the following awards:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Typical Injuries That Victims May Experience After Therapist Abuse
Some common injuries experienced by victims of trust abuse by therapists and counselors include depression, suicidal ideology, loss of identity, eating disorders, anxiety, sleep disorders, drug addictions, and alcohol addiction. No matter your type of injury, you deserve the compensation you need to be whole again.
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(888) 585-2188
Do I Have an Abuse Case Against My Therapist?
Therapists have a considerable responsibility to their patients. Regardless of their title as therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, clergy, or psychologist, they have a duty toward the well-being of those they treat.
Regardless of their title or credentials, there is something they all share. When someone vulnerable goes to someone professional for help, there is a natural transfer of perceptions and feelings. Psychologists call this the transference phenomenon. It is like a parent and child relationship.
Any of the aforementioned positions who abuse their role may be able to manipulate this feeling of transference. The patient follows instructions or even takes improperly prescribed drugs. The person in authority could start an improper sexual relationship with the patient. This is how the boundaries blur and psychological and physical abuse can begin.
Typical Expected Psychotherapy Boundaries
- Keeping a sensible distance from the patient
- The focus during therapy should remain on the patient
- There should be no contact between patient and therapist outside the office
- Other than a handshake or non-sexual hug, there should be no physical contact
- The therapist should not reveal any personal or intimate details to the patient
- Outside of psychotherapy, there should be no other interactions between therapist and patient
- Therapy should occur only in the office and during the designated appointment times
If your therapist has stepped outside of these boundaries, then you should discuss this with your attorney. It could be that you were a victim of therapy abuse.
Can an Attorney Help Me with a Clergy Abuse Case?
Yes. Your attorney can also help you with an abuse case if your counselor is a church or clergy member. Many adults and children trust the church to be there to help when they are in distress or vulnerable. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, they believe that the clerical profession is attractive to pedophiles because of the easy, trusted access the work gives them to children. Also, the authoritative moral aura surrounding the position entitles them to power and authority in the community.
Abuse can be a highly sensitive issue to discuss. If you feel that a clergy member overstepped their authority or sexually violated you or a member of your family, contact an attorney to discuss your case. Remember, the fault never lies with the victim.
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How Can a Law Firm Benefit Me in My Abuse Case?
A law firm can benefit you in your abuse case by being a guide and resource as you go through your trial. Your attorney can demonstrate any conduct deviance from the recommended ethical code of conduct the American Psychological Association (APA) put forth as a standard.
The law firm, in these cases, can help in many ways. They can collect your medical records, obtain information on your provider, do a background check on the therapist, and determine what your overall costs for rehabilitation might be.
Your attorney might attempt to negotiate a settlement before a court trial. The entire process of a therapy abuse case involves some extreme legal maneuvering and must be proven and negotiated credibly.
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Where Can I Find an Attorney That Handles Therapy Abuse Cases?
We can help. Here at Jenner Law, we believe that when you hire our team, the only thing you need to do is focus on yourself. You have gone through enough. We won’t let you go through this alone. Instead, we will allow you to heal in peace as we do the hard work of pursuing justice in your case.
We will respect you, ensuring you will always have a safe and comfortable place to discuss what has happened. Our team will always use discretion. We will show you respect during the investigation and recovery. We will fight for the compensation you need. Let us get you started on your journey to true healing.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form