The statute of limitations for therapy abuse in Maryland varies based on which type of legal action you’re pursuing. Generally speaking:
- Personal injury: Three years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101)
- Medical malpractice: Three years from the date of discovery or five years from the date of the incident (Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-109)
- Sexual assault: Three years from the date of the incident (Md. Cts. and Jud. Proc. § 5-117)
If a minor suffered therapy abuse, tolling exceptions may apply.
Recognizing Therapy Abuse
Mental health professionals have a high level of responsibility to their clients to build a relationship based on trust, empathy, and confidentiality. Because of the typically vulnerable state of their clients, these professionals are also in a position of potential power. This power, unfortunately, can be used to take advantage of their clients either physically, emotionally, or sexually.
Abuse may be, at least initially, very subtle, such as when the therapist begins to sit a little close to the client. Alternatively, it can be much more overt. For example, a therapist might discuss their sexual activity or fantasies with the client or suggest meeting outside of therapy sessions. Other signs of therapy abuse include if the therapist:
- Asks inappropriate questions about the client’s sexual activity
- Touches the client inappropriately
- Makes comments that shame or hurt the client
- Asks for money other than for therapy sessions
- Contacts the client by phone, email, texts, or social media
- Encourages the client to self-harm
- Discusses other cases with the client
- Behaves in a hostile manner towards the client
- Discusses the client’s case with individuals outside of the mental health profession
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(888) 585-2188
What to Do About Therapy Abuse
If you are the victim of therapy abuse in Maryland, you can contact a local law firm that has experience handling this type of case. Retaining a lawyer who is familiar with therapy abuse cases is important, as you can be sure that they will understand the sensitive issues of your case and know how to handle them appropriately.
If you choose to file a civil lawsuit against your therapist, you must be able to prove that one or more incidents of sexual or emotional abuse have occurred. You must also have the following evidence:
- Details of the abuse
- When the abuse occurred
- How the abuse caused you harm
- The amount of damages you are entitled to recover
When you discuss your case with a lawyer, they will help you gather all the necessary information and evidence. They will also determine the type and amount of compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Seek in a Therapy Abuse Case in Maryland
The damages you are entitled to seek will depend on the circumstances of your case, such as:
- The nature of the abuse you suffered
- How the abuse has affected you sexually, physically, and psychologically
- What your future treatment will look like
Still, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Past and anticipated medical expenses: These awards will cover any medical treatment, counseling, and medication required now or in the future due to the therapy abuse.
- Loss of income: If you are unable to work now or in the future due to physical or emotional injuries caused by therapy abuse, you may be able to claim compensation for lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Therapy abuse can cause severe damage, such as depression, anxiety, feelings of self-hatred, and guilt. It can also lead to lasting damage, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By discussing the emotional injuries you have suffered from therapy abuse, you will help your lawyer determine the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering.
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Filing a Licensing Board Complaint
As well as filing a civil lawsuit against your abuser, you can also file a complaint Maryland licensing board. This action may result in the therapist having their license suspended or revoked and can prevent them from harming anyone else.
If you would like to pursue this type of complaint, your lawyer will explain how you can navigate this process.
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Call Jenner Law to Help You Meet the Statute of Limitations in Maryland
If you have suffered abuse from your therapist, consider consulting our firm. Our legal team at Jenner Law has experience building and winning cases involving therapist abuse. We are aware of the difficulties facing a victim of therapy abuse. That’s why we strive to be sensitive to all aspects of your client’s feelings and work with them at their pace while ensuring we help meet the statute of limitations.
Reach out to us today at (888) 585-2188 for a free consultation. We can promise complete confidentiality and our commitment to protecting your legal rights. Also, we take cases on a contingency-fee basis, so we won’t ask for any upfront or out-of-pocket legal fees unless we procure a financial recovery for you.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form