Therapists are trusted professionals, but when that trust is broken by abuse, the effects can be devastating. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse by a therapist, you are not alone. Our Mason therapist sexual abuse lawyer will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Healing starts with recognizing what happened and seeking support. Taking legal action is not just about a lawsuit—it’s about demanding recognition of the harm done. A Mason sexual abuse lawyer from Cooper Elliott will guide you through this process with care and strength.
For over 30 years, we have fought for survivors of therapist abuse with over 100 years of combined experience in holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable. Whether you were abused as a child or as an adult, we will fight for your vision of justice. Call us today for a free consultation.
What is Therapist Sexual Abuse?
Therapists should provide a safe and supportive space for healing. When they take advantage of that role and cross professional boundaries, it is a violation of trust and the law.
Therapist sexual abuse can take many forms, including:
- Unwanted physical contact: This includes touching, groping, or assault in any form.
- Sexual comments or advances: Making inappropriate remarks or suggestions that create a hostile or unsafe environment.
- Coercion or manipulation: Using therapy as a way to control or pressure a patient into a sexual relationship.
- Exploitation of vulnerability: Convincing a patient that sexual contact is part of the healing process when it is not.
This abuse is never the survivor’s fault. No therapist has the right to misuse their position in this way.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist sexual abuse lawyer serving Mason, call 614-481-6000
Recognizing the Warning Signs of an Unethical Therapist
Many people trust their therapist completely, which can make it challenging to recognize when professional boundaries are being crossed. Therapy should always feel safe, supportive, and professional.
If something seems off, you must pay attention to potential red flags, such as:
- Overly personal conversations unrelated to therapy: If a therapist frequently shifts the focus to their life, struggles, or opinions instead of addressing the patient’s needs, this can be a warning sign.
- Inappropriate physical contact: While some therapists may offer supportive gestures like a handshake, unnecessary hugging, touching, or any physical contact that feels uncomfortable is not appropriate.
- Encouraging secrecy: A therapist should never tell a patient to keep their conversations private from others, especially when discussing their relationship. Abusers often use secrecy to prevent patients from seeking outside help.
- Blaming the patient or making them feel responsible for the therapist’s feelings: If a therapist expresses personal emotional struggles and makes the patient feel guilty or obligated to provide support, this is a violation of professional ethics.
Therapists are there to help you, not harm you. If any of these behaviors occur, we encourage you to trust your instincts and seek support.
Mason Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
Our Firm Works to Hold Abusers and Institutions Accountable
Taking legal action isn’t just about seeking damages—it’s about making sure those responsible for abuse in the office face consequences. Cooper Elliott’s personal injury lawyers in Mason are committed to pushing for accountability, whether that means the therapist, their employer, or the institution that allowed the abuse to continue.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The therapist: They are directly responsible for the harm they caused.
- The therapy practice or facility: If the organization knew or should have known about the abuse and did nothing, they may be held responsible.
- Professional licensing boards: Complaints can be filed to prevent the therapist from harming others in the future.
Legal action can help sexual abuse survivors heal. By taking action, they help prevent future harm to others while also taking a step toward their healing.
Click to contact our Mason Sexual Abuse Lawyers today
How Our Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Mason Can Help You
The team at Cooper Elliott will stand by your side throughout this process. When we represent you, we will:
- Listen and support you: Your experience matters, and we will ensure others hear you and respect you.
- Investigate the abuse: Gathering evidence, reviewing therapy records, and interviewing witnesses.
- File a lawsuit: Seeking damages for emotional distress, medical costs, loss of income, and more.
- Challenge the institution(s): If a therapy practice ignores the warning signs, we will work to hold them accountable. If the therapist worked at a practice, hospital, or other facility that ignored past complaints or failed to act, the organization may also be liable.
Other actions to take on your behalf include reporting the abuse to professional boards can help prevent the therapist from harming others.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How a Lawsuit Can Help Beyond Financial Damages
Filing a lawsuit against an abusive therapist can have lasting effects, not only for the survivor but also for others who may be at risk.
Preventing Future Abuse
Many abusers are repeat offenders, and legal action can help expose their misconduct. By holding them accountable, survivors help prevent others from being harmed and push for stronger protections within therapy practices.
Validation and Acknowledgment
One of the hardest parts of surviving therapist abuse is the fear of not being believed. A lawsuit gives survivors a way to have their experience formally recognized. When an abuser is held responsible, it sends a clear message: What happened to you was real, and it was not your fault.
Seeking justice is a personal decision, but no survivor should feel alone in the process. We will help you take this step with care and respect. Our lawyers handling therapist abuse cases in Mason will make that happen in a way that respects your needs and comfort level.
Call us today to discuss your situation during a free, confidential consultation.
Legal Rights and Protections for Survivors in Ohio
If you or a loved one has experienced therapist sexual abuse, you have legal rights. Ohio law provides options for civil actions against the abuser and, in some cases, the institutions that failed to prevent the abuse.
Understanding these rights can empower survivors to take the next step toward healing and accountability.
Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Time limits, known as statutes of limitations, apply to sexual abuse cases in Ohio. These deadlines can vary based on factors like the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when they realized the harm.
Some key points to know include:
- Childhood sexual abuse: Survivors who experienced sexual abuse as minors (under 18) have until they reach 30 years of age to file a civil lawsuit. This effectively provides a 12-year window starting from their 18th birthday.
- Adult sexual abuse: For adults, the time frame to initiate a civil lawsuit is significantly shorter. Victims typically have one year from the date of the incident to file a claim, depending on the specifics of the case and jurisdiction within Ohio.
We will explain how the laws outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111 can affect your case. However, because laws around statutes of limitations can change, we encourage you to speak with our Mason therapy abuse lawyers as soon as possible to determine your legal options.
Our Mason Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyers Will Seek Justice for You
Acknowledging the abuse is a powerful and courageous first step. The next step is deciding how to move forward—and you don’t have to do it alone. At Cooper Elliott, our Mason therapist sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors of all ages move forward with their cases.
Taking legal action is not just about holding an abuser accountable; it’s about ensuring your experience is recognized and pushing for meaningful change. Whether you are seeking financial recovery, legal accountability, or simply answers, we will stand by your side.
Let us help you take this step with compassion, strength, and determination. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
