Therapists are supposed to provide a safe space for healing. When they break that trust, the damage can be life-changing. A Cincinnati therapist sexual abuse lawyer will hold them accountable and seek justice.
No one should suffer in silence after such a violation. At Cooper Elliott, we understand the deep impact of this trauma. At Cooper Elliott, we have spent over 30 years fighting for survivors, using our 100+ years of combined legal experience to stand up against those who cause harm.
A Cincinnati sexual abuse lawyer from our firm will stand with you and fight for the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one was abused by a therapist, we are here to help. Call us today for a free, private consultation.
How Therapist Sexual Abuse Occurs
Therapist sexual abuse happens when a mental health professional crosses professional boundaries and engages in inappropriate, manipulative, or non-consensual sexual behavior with a patient. This can take many forms, including:
- Unwanted touching: Any touching that makes a person uncomfortable, like hugging, kissing, or other contact that crosses professional boundaries
- Inappropriate conversations: Talking about sexual topics that have nothing to do with therapy or are meant to take advantage of a patient
- Grooming: Slowly breaking professional rules to gain control over a patient and make them more vulnerable
- Pressure or force: Any kind of sexual contact that happens through threats, tricks, or by pretending it’s part of treatment
This type of abuse is particularly harmful because it happens in a space where people are supposed to feel safe. If this has happened to you or someone you love, know that you are not alone—and you have legal options.
When you call us today, our personal injury lawyers in Cincinnati will discuss your next steps.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist sexual abuse lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-481-6000
Holding Abusive Therapists Accountable
Abuse by a therapist is a betrayal of trust. Survivors deserve more than just an apology; they deserve recognition of the harm done to them. Cooper Elliott fights to ensure responsible parties acknowledge the harm they have caused.
Filing a legal claim can:
- Hold the therapist accountable for their actions
- Expose institutions that allowed the abuse to continue
- Help prevent future abuse by making it harder for abusers to continue working
- Provide financial damages for medical treatment, therapy, and other costs related to the harm caused
We recognize that coming forward is challenging. Our goal is to support you through this process with care and respect.
Cincinnati Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
What Happens When Our Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Cincinnati Handle Your Case
We understand that contacting a lawyer about therapist abuse can be a challenging and frightening step to take. Still, we encourage you to contact us. Our team will guide you with compassion and professionalism.
Here’s what happens when you work with us:
Free, Confidential Consultation
You will have a private conversation with one of our attorneys. We will listen to your experience, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
If you decide to move forward, we will investigate the therapist’s behavior, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove what happened.
Seeking Damages With a Lawsuit
We will file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover your losses related to abuse. This claim may be against the individual therapist, their employer, or any institution that allowed the abuse to happen.
Negotiations and Trial (if Necessary)
Many cases settle outside of court, but we are always prepared to go to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice for you.
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What Damages Can Therapist Sexual Abuse Survivors Recover?
Survivors of therapist sexual abuse may recover different types of damages in a lawsuit. These damages help address the harm caused by the abuse and provide financial support for recovery. Here are the main types:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
These cover out-of-pocket expenses related to the abuse, including:
- Medical bills: Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and any other medical treatments related to the trauma
- Lost income: If the survivor had to take time off work or lost their job due to emotional distress
- Loss of future earnings: If the trauma makes it difficult to continue working or pursue a career
Non-Economic Damages (Emotional & Psychological Harm)
These address the pain and suffering caused by the abuse:
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health struggles
- Loss of trust: Difficulty trusting future therapists, doctors, or authority figures
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The abuse may affect personal relationships, self-esteem, and daily life
Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoer)
If the therapist’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the abuser and send a message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
Other Possible Damages
- Wrongful death damages: If the abuse led to a survivor’s death, their family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral and burial costs, lost expected income, and other related damages.
- Rehabilitation and long–term care: If the survivor needs ongoing mental health support.
Each case is unique, and the damages available depend on the circumstances. Our Cincinnati therapist misconduct lawyers at Cooper Elliott help survivors understand their legal options and how they can seek the justice that is due to them.
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How Long Do You Have to Sue for Damages in Therapist Abuse Cases in Ohio?
In Ohio, the time you have to file a lawsuit for therapist sexual abuse depends on your age at the time of the abuse. These time limits are known as statutes of limitations, and they vary for minors and adults.
For Minors (Under Age 18 at the Time of Abuse)
- Time limit: You have 12 years to file a lawsuit after you turn 18. This means you must file before your 30th birthday, per Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111(C).
For Adults (18 or Older at the Time of Abuse)
- Time limit: You generally have one year from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111(B)(1).
Why Are Time Limits Important?
We must file your case within the proper time frame. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the opportunity to seek justice and compensation. However, these exceptions might extend these periods:
- Discovery of abuse: If you didn’t realize the abuse occurred until later, the time limit might start from the date of discovery.
- Mental incapacity: If you were mentally incapacitated at the time of the abuse, the statute of limitations might be extended.
Given the timelines and complexity of these cases, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney from our firm promptly. We will provide guidance that addresses your specific situation and file your claim within the appropriate time frame.
We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise.
Our Cincinnati Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyers Will Help You
If you or a loved one has suffered therapist sexual abuse, we understand that it can be challenging to take on a legal case and hold them accountable. Cooper Elliott is committed to standing by you during this significant step.
We will urge those responsible to acknowledge the harm they caused as you continue your path to recovery.
Call us today for a free, private consultation. You deserve justice and peace—let us help you get there. We can take the first step toward your new beginning together.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
