Massage Envy Sued by The Figari Law Firm for Allegations of Sexual Abuse
Riverside, California (PRWEB) February 13, 2015 -- Massage Envy, LLC, the national leader in affordable massages, is the principal defendant in a civil suit which centers on allegations of sexual abuse and retaliation. Also named as a defendant is Rodolfo Valencia, a Massage Therapist who worked at Massage Envy’s Menifee, California location.
The lawsuit was filed by The Figari Law Firm of Pasadena, California , which specializes in employment law, on behalf of a former Massage Envy employee, Jessica Oglesby. Ms. Oglesby alleges that she was sexually assaulted during a massage being performed by Defendant Valencia. The case was filed earlier this year in Riverside County Superior Court (Case #MCC1400024).
The lawsuit alleges that not only did Massage Envy fail to take any action against Valencia after a police report was filed following the incident, but also that Massage Envy failed to screen employees thoroughly prior to offering employment.
“Massage Envy has a responsibility to properly screen any employee working in any capacity in its store due to the sensitive nature of their business. Customers and employees are in a vulnerable position while patronizing or working there. It is the business’ responsibility to create a safe environment for employees and clients alike, stated attorney Barbara E. Figari, who represents Ms. Oglesby.
The lawsuit further alleges that Massage Envy negligently retained Mr. Valencia as a massage therapist after it knew, or should have known, that he was an unfit employee, and that Ms. Oglesby is not aware of any disciplinary action taken against Mr. Valencia during his employment with Massage Envy.
According to an ABC News affiliate in Las Vegas, there have been lawsuits filed involving at least 19 therapists in 12 different states. (Link: http://www.jrn.com/ktnv/news/contact-13/contact-13-investigates/Misconduct-allegations-hit-Massage-Envy-on-nationwide-scale-257739981.html)
Barbara Figari of the Figari Law Firm is lead counsel on the case. This article has been researched and written by The Figari Law Firm.
Kathryn Figari, [email protected], http://www.figarilaw.com, +1 (626) 486-2620, [email protected]
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