According to a report from Missouri Lawyers Media, a Missouri spa has agreed to a multi-million-dollar settlement in a civil negligence claim. The lawsuit was brought by the victim of inappropriate touching on the part of a therapist at that spa. That therapist was later arrested and convicted of sexual assault. Here, our Kansas City premises liability attorney provides an overview of the case.
Day Spa Settles Negligence Cause; Civil Sexual Assault Claim
As confirmed by Missouri Lawyers Media, a Missouri day spa (the name was not released publicly as the settlement was confidential) has agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit after a client was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist during a treatment session. The victim reported that the therapist inappropriately touched her near the end of the massage. He was later arrested and convicted. Following the criminal case, she sued the spa and its owners for negligent hiring and negligent supervision. Although the spa’s insurance company initially denied coverage, the parties eventually reached a confidential settlement at mediation that was in excess of the $1 million policy limit.
Premises Liability Law in Missouri: Negligent Hiring and Supervision
A premises liability claim allows a victim (customer or otherwise) of the negligence of a business to hold the company accountable. Under Missouri law, businesses that invite customers onto their premises have a legal duty to provide a safe environment. To be clear, the responsibility extends beyond physical hazards: It also includes protecting guests from harm caused by employees. When an employer fails to properly screen, train, or supervise workers, they may be held liable under negligent hiring and supervision principles.
In order to bring a successful premises liability lawsuit, the injured victim must show that the employer knew or should have known that the employee posed a foreseeable risk of harm. In cases involving service industries such as spas, salons, or medical facilities, this can include failing to conduct background checks, ignoring prior complaints, or allowing unqualified workers to interact with customers. Liability does not depend solely on the employee’s conduct but on the employer’s lack of reasonable care in preventing it.
Takeaway: If you were assaulted by an employee of a business or organization (physically or sexually), you have the right to bring a civil claim against the employer. That company may be held legally liable on the grounds of negligent hiring and/or negligent supervision.
Call Our Kansas City Premises Liability Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City premises liability attorney has the knowledge and experience to help victims of sexual abuse. You have the right to bring a civil claim against negligent businesses, organizations, and other entities that contributed to the violation of your person. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. From our Kansas City law office, we handle premises liability claims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: auto accident, auto insurance, personal injury
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