AbuseGuardian.com reports on a lawsuit filed on August 21st, 2014 in Pinellas County Florida Circuit Court, case number 14-006291-CI. The defendants are named as Massage Envy and Artistic Expressions Day Spa. The plaintiff, a female resident of the state of New Hampshire, filed a complaint alleging that she was sexually assaulted during a massage at Artistic Expressions due to the negligence of the defendants.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff booked a massage on February 27th, 2013 at Artistic Expressions in Clearwater Florida. During this massage Ronald Bruinius, an employee of the defendant, sexually assaulted the plaintiff in various manners. The plaintiff was so scared that she froze during the assault, and was uncertain as how to report this abuse. On March 4th, 2014 the plaintiff contacted the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and reported the assault. As a result of the assault, the plaintiff continues to suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, and more.
Court documents describe that prior to this assault Bruinius sexually assaulted a client of Massage Envy on September 6th, 2012. Police were brought in to investigate this assault and Massage Envy fired Bruinius. Despite having fired Bruinius and having been contacted by the police, Massage Envy never contacted the Florida Department of Health. Therefore, he maintained his massage license in good standing. Bruinius went on to apply to Artistic Expressions, where court documents state, a background check was never performed. Bruinius was hired and then sexually assaulted the plaintiff after having already allegedly assaulted numerous women while working at Massage Envy.
Currently there are multiple lawsuits being filed across the country against Massage Envy regarding similar assault scenarios. While most people go to receive a massage with the intention of relieving stress, they are experiencing quite the opposite. The effects of a sexual assault on a victim can vary and be long lasting.
Brian Kent is an attorney with the firm behind AbuseGuardan.com. He stated: “Several individuals have come forward with sexual assault claims of a similar nature, and we are actively fielding all those questions.”
Those who would like more information about this release, or to ask questions about potential sexual abuse claims, can contact Brian Kent, Esq. at 866-577-2786.
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Contact AbuseGuardian.com:
Brian Kent
(866) 577-2786
1435 Walnut St #700 Philadelphia, PA 19102
