$600,000 Jury Verdict: Holding an Arkansas Spa Accountable for Sexual Assault

Key Takeaways

• Jury awarded $600,000 for sexual assault during a massage appointment.
• Spa and therapist were both found liable, including negligent hiring failures.
• Evidence showed prior misconduct and lack of proper background checks.
• Plaintiff left a 17-year nursing career due to trauma from assault.
• Verdict held business accountable for failing to protect client safety.

At Taylor King Law, we believe that when someone walks into a business for care, treatment, or services, they should never have to fear being harmed.

Recently, our firm represented a woman who trusted an Arkansas massage spa for `what was supposed to be a routine appointment. Instead, she experienced a traumatic sexual assault that changed the course of her life.

After presenting her case to a Pulaski County jury, we secured a $600,000 verdict on her behalf.

Taking the Case

Our attorneys, Austin King and Jay Neal, filed suit shortly after the incident. From the beginning, this case was about more than one individual’s actions. It was about accountability — both personal and institutional.

The evidence showed that during a scheduled massage appointment in June 2024, the client was sexually assaulted by the massage therapist. She immediately reported the incident and later made the difficult decision to pursue a civil lawsuit.

“I am very thankful for the Pulaski County Jury listening to our client’s story and believing her horrible encounter of sexual assault.  We hope this verdict can deter negligent hiring and help prevent future sexual assault incidents.  Our jury system made the correct decision and held the Defendants accountable.”

– Attorney Austin King

In civil court, survivors only need nine of twelve jurors to agree in order to prevail. In this case, the jury’s verdict was unanimous.

Proving Negligent Hiring

While the therapist was directly responsible for his conduct, our investigation revealed a deeper failure.

We alleged that the spa failed to properly vet the therapist before hiring him. Evidence presented at trial showed that he had previously been terminated from another position for conduct involving a similar incident. The spa did not conduct a meaningful background check, contact prior employers, or provide adequate training on how to prevent or respond to sexual misconduct.

Businesses that provide intimate, hands-on services owe a heightened duty of care to their clients. When that responsibility is ignored, the consequences can be devastating.

The jury ultimately agreed that both the individual and the spa were liable — awarding $500,000 against the therapist and $100,000 against the spa for negligent hiring and oversight.

Why This Verdict Matters

Civil cases like this are about more than compensation. They are about voice, validation, and accountability.

Our client testified that the trauma she experienced forced her to leave her 17-year nursing career. She trusted a professional environment and was violated in a setting that should have been safe.

Through the civil justice system, she was heard.

“This trial result is a complete validation of our client’s brave and decisive action to report her assault.  Because of the quick actions that she took, we were able to collect evidence and swiftly bring her attacker and the massage business that enabled him to justice.  Thanks to the jury for recognizing the terrible damage that sexual assault causes and awarding even more than we requested.”

– Attorney Jay Neal

A $600,000 verdict sends a clear message: businesses cannot ignore warning signs, cut corners in hiring, or fail to protect the people who walk through their doors.

Our Commitment to Survivors

At Taylor King Law, we understand how difficult it is for survivors to come forward. These cases require courage. They also require careful preparation, strategic presentation, and a willingness to stand firm in court. Attorneys Austin King and Jay Neal were proud to advocate for our client and to present her case clearly and powerfully before a jury.

Justice in civil court does not erase trauma. But it can restore dignity, hold institutions accountable, and help prevent future harm.

If you or someone you love has been harmed because a business failed to provide a safe environment, we are here to listen. Confidential consultations are available to discuss your rights and options.

Read more about the verdict in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s full write-up: North Little Rock Masseur, Spa Ordered to Pay Woman $600,000 in Assault Case

For additional information, visit our Sexual Assault page.