It is not uncommon for Las Vegas residents struggling with emotional challenges to seek out guidance from a professional. For many, the assistance of a therapist could provide the help they need. Unfortunately, not every interaction with therapists is a positive one.
If you have faced abuse at the hands of your therapist, you might be able to hold them accountable through a civil lawsuit. Warning signs of therapy abuse commonly involve manipulation and inappropriate sexual relationships. A Las Vegas therapy abuse lawyer could help you hold them accountable.
Do I Have a Viable Case Against My Therapist?
Whether or not you have a valid case against your therapist will largely depend on whether the boundaries your therapist is held to were violated. These strict standards are often set by state or federal law. Violating these standards could not only be a violation of the law, it could also serve as the basis for an abuse case.
A therapist has an obligation to take steps to avoid taking advantage of the distorted balance of power they have with their patients. This involves a number of important boundaries designed to protect the patient and prevent even the semblance of impropriety. Some of these boundaries
- Maintaining physical distance from the patient
- Avoiding disclosure of their own issues on the patient
- Avoiding any type of sexual relationship
- Abstaining from any form of business or financial relationship
- Ensuring sessions last for set periods of time and are held in an office
- Avoiding contact outside the office
- Avoiding revelation of intimate details to the patient
The reality is that there is no easy way for you to determine if the case against your therapist is strong on your own. This area of the law is complex, and these cases are often convoluted. Jenner Law can clear the confusion and focus on the facts. With our help, you could hold your therapist accountable for the abuse you have endured.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
What Compensation Could Be Available?
There are different consequences that could be available in the aftermath of therapist abuse. Many acts of abuse are criminal in nature, and a conviction could lead to steep fines and time behind bars. A therapist could also face professional consequences like the loss of their license or termination of their employment.
One of the consequences that you have direct control over is the potential for a civil lawsuit. By suing your therapist for the abuse they have committed, you might be entitled to a monetary award. The specific nature of these financial damages can vary.
For many people, suffering abuse at the hands of a therapist can send their life into a tailspin. The end result could be additional medical expenses related to emotional or physical harm. Compensation could be available for the cost of past and future medical care.
Damages related to your physical or emotional suffering may also be compensated. If your abuse involved physical injuries, the pain stemming from those injuries could serve as the basis for your compensation. Emotional pain and mental anguish could also lead to financial compensation.
Many victims of abuse are unable to return to work. This can lead to severe financial strain, especially if it results in termination. You might be entitled to recover damages based on your lost wages resulting from your abuse.
What Is Transference Phenomena?
One of the tools often used by psychotherapists is transference. This process involves a patient revealing their deepest hidden secrets that often stem from their childhood. This places the patient in a vulnerable position, and the therapist in a position of significant emotional power.
To avoid conflicts of interest or abuse, there are boundaries that psychotherapists are expected to keep in place during transference. Unfortunately, these boundaries are often broken. Once these boundaries are broken, emotional abuse, improper sexual relationships, or even physical abuse may occur.
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How Can I Make a Case That I Was Abused?
The approach for establishing therapist abuse during the course of a civil trial is different compared to most injury cases. Instead of reviewing photographs of accidents or testimony regarding a slip and fall, the evidence in a case involving therapist abuse is likely to look very different.
To effectively litigate and pursue these cases, it can be necessary to rely on the use of expert witnesses. Most juries that hear cases regarding therapist abuse will not be familiar with the concept of transference or duties a therapist has to their patient. To an untrained eye, an abusive relationship could look like a consensual one. As your lawyer, it is our job to show the jury that things were more complex than a typical consensual relationship.
Our firm will often build cases of therapy abuse on the testimony of expert witnesses. These witnesses can explain how misconduct on the part of your therapist was the blame for causing you emotional or physical trauma.
Our team understands what makes a strong, qualified expert witness. When we determine a specific type of expert is necessary in your case, we can rely on a network of professionals to evaluate your case and testify on your behalf.
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Talk to an Attorney About Your Therapy Abuse Case
If you believe that you have been the victim of abuse at the hands of your therapist, it is important to discuss your options with legal counsel as soon as possible. Even if you were involved in a sexual relationship you initially believed was consensual, it is possible that you were taken advantage of by your therapist. Dealing with abuse is never easy, but you do not have to do it alone. A Las Vegas therapy abuse lawyer could help you pursue a claim for compensation against your abuser. The attorneys at Jenner Law are ready to fight for you during this difficult and upsetting time. We look forward to serving as your advocate while holding your abuser accountable. Reach out right away for a free consultation to learn more about how we could help.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form