Seth Langson obtained the first verdict in North Carolina against a therapist for having sexual relations with a patient in the case of MacClements v. LaFone. The case involved overcoming problems with the statute of limitations as well as the proving of psychological damages. The verdict resulted in an award of both compensatory and punitive damages and was upheld on appeal.
There were circumstances about this case that made the defense lawyers and insurance companies seek to make it a test case, so that other victims of therapists would stop making claims.
After Seth successfully tried this case to a verdict, two additional victims of the same therapist were subsequently represented by Seth and obtained settlements prior to their having to go to trial. The case also resulted in Seth receiving numerous referrals of child sexual-abuse cases from other professionals.
