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by The Stoddard Firm - September 1st, 2021
In the summer of 2019, a 16-year-old girl reported to police that she had been held in forced sexual servitude by the Inglewood Family Gang, a Georgia chapter of the larger criminal organization best known as the Bloods. According to the survivor’s account, she was drugged, physically abused, and forced to have sex with multiple men to raise money for the gang over the course of two months, before she escaped and reached help.
Many sex trafficking victims are instilled with so much fear of their abusers and/or police that they go years without attempting escape, but thanks to the chance this girl took, and the response of the Albany police and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, she is now free of her captors and a total of eight men have been indicted for sex trafficking of a minor, in addition to other charges.
Of course, the trauma of sex trafficking, and especially underage sexual abuse, can last a lifetime, and catching the perpetrators is only one factor in the recovery process. This girl — by now an adult woman — is presumably facing the task of rebuilding her life, something that requires resources as well as time. Though she may not know it, she has grounds to sue for the compensation she needs in civil court.
As the Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation puts it, “Conducting human trafficking and criminal street gang investigations are top priorities for the GBI.” Georgia’s attorney general has also expressed particular interest in this case as “a nexus between gangs and human trafficking,” and that interest is reflected in the results that are visible so far.
Though it took two years, and will no doubt take a while longer yet in court, the identification of eight human trafficking suspects at once is an uncommonly large accomplishment in the fight against sexual violence. The indictments are quite extensive as well, with the eight suspects now facing a collective total of 54 criminal charges. Further investigation also seems to be ongoing into the gang and the possible existence of other victims.
However, the focus of criminal law is and has always been stopping, punishing, and ideally preventing crime, not helping the victims of crimes that have already happened. For that, survivors must turn to civil law.
The woman who escaped from the Inglewood Family Gang does have the legal option of suing the eight men charged with trafficking her. Civil and criminal proceedings can happen at the same time, addressing the same actions and events, without interfering with each other. The reason suing traffickers and rapists isn’t more common is that these individual perpetrators usually don’t have the money to pay their victims, and can’t earn that money while in prison, so obtaining a civil judgment against them isn’t very helpful.
To collect actual compensation, this survivor would be better off looking at the so-called legitimate businesses that knowingly profited off of her exploitation. These entities are legally just as guilty, much more likely to be able to pay, and are often overlooked by the criminal justice system. A civil suit is the best way to prevent them from keeping their profits and continuing to enable sex trafficking in the future.
The investigation into this woman’s abuse found that she had been prostituted in hotel and motel rooms and advertised on websites. The hospitality companies and online ad platforms that hosted this activity are likely liable for the harm that was done to her.
If you are the woman who escaped from the Inglewood Family Gang, or if you have otherwise been affected by sex trafficking in Georgia, reach out to The Stoddard Firm to learn about your rights.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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