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by The Stoddard Firm - June 4th, 2024
Child sex trafficking has become a major cause for concern across Atlanta and surrounding cities. Children are being exploited and taken advantage of when they need help most. However, with help from a compassionate and devoted legal advocate, minor children and young adults who were victims of child sex trafficking can demand justice.
You have an opportunity to take back control of your future. Atlanta hotels have become known as a haven for child sex traffickers. With help from your Atlanta human trafficking lawyer at The Stoddard Firm, you may be able to hold these hotels accountable for their negligence and misconduct. Contact our legal team today to learn more about your options and get the support you need during this difficult time in your life.
Your Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer from The Stoddard Firm has extensive experience advocating for victim’s rights. We handle a wide variety of injury claims and are passionate about serving those who have been taken advantage of, helping them to pick up the pieces of their lives. We only take on a select number of cases at a time to ensure each injury victim gets the attention and care they deserve.
You will have access to our considerable resources and legal knowledge as we pursue justice and hold hotels, child sex traffickers, and anyone who facilitated the abuse you endured accountable. We will work fearlessly to uncover the truth. Our team invests the energy needed to prove how this abuse has permanently altered the course of your life. You can rely on us to become your biggest advocate both in and out of the courtroom, using our strategically aggressive advocacy to get you the most out of your claim.
Once you escape the dangers of child sex trafficking and start to look toward a brighter future, taking legal action against the perpetrators of your abuse may be one of your top priorities. However, not all victims are ready to pursue the compensation they deserve. The Stoddard Firm stands up and advocates for victims of child sex trafficking so they can protect their anonymity and get the emotional support they need.
Let us handle the legalities of your case so you do not have to. We will carefully investigate and work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to support your case. We are not afraid to negotiate with the hotel’s insurance provider to maximize your payout. If necessary, we will bring your case to trial so you have the greatest opportunity to rebuild your life.
Ever since the publication of the Urban Institute’s 2014 report on the illegal sex trade, the city of Atlanta has been trying to shake the unofficial title of “Sex Trafficking Capital of the U.S.” Although it would take more research into the nationwide issue of sex trafficking to prove that Atlanta is in fact the worst offender, the report did reveal Atlanta’s sex trafficking problem to be far larger than most locals would ever have guessed. As of 2007, the illegal sex industry was worth an estimated $290 million within Atlanta alone.
Both adults and children, male and female, are at risk of sex trafficking, but adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable. According to the Center for Public Policy Studies, about 374 underage girls are sold for sexual exploitation every month in Georgia, about 65% of them located in the Atlanta region. The average starting age is somewhere between 12 and 14.
Sex trafficking is described as “the use of force, coercion or deception to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain, another person for the purpose of commercial sexual activities,” according to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. This practice takes many forms and rarely matches the kidnapping scenario many people imagine. As a result, many sex trafficking victims do not even realize that the label applies to them. Sex traffickers use a variety of manipulation techniques to convince their victims to keep quiet and continue working for them, including:
This final tactic has, unfortunately, been reinforced by law enforcement at times. As recently as 2000, victims of sex trafficking in Georgia were treated as perpetrators of prostitution regardless of age in some local jurisdictions. While sex trafficking in Atlanta is still rampant, the legal status of victims has improved significantly. Anyone engaging in sexual acts while underage or coerced is no longer guilty of prostitution under Georgia Code § 16-6-9.
Under the updated laws, one 15-year-old took her chance to summon police to the Marietta hotel, where she and other victims were being held. Her four captors are now charged with multiple counts of child sex trafficking, each carrying a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Experienced sex traffickers are good at maintaining anonymity, but there are other guilty parties hiding in plain sight. Sex traffickers do business primarily in hotels, often with the approval of the owner, manager, or desk clerk. The Urban Institute’s study found that keeping “good relationships” with local hotels is standard practice.
Some hotel managers take bribes, while others turn a blind eye to avoid alienating a huge portion of their client base. Harboring child sex trafficking is a felony under O.C.G.A. 16-5-46, and these hotel owners are liable for the sexual violence taking place on their property.
When you are ready to create the best possible future for yourself, you may be ready to put this traumatic experience behind you. Before you do, you may benefit from taking legal action against the liable party and those who facilitated the abuse you endured. Do not hesitate to contact our legal team to discuss potential options for financial relief. While no amount of money will change or make up for your trauma, access to the financial compensation you are entitled to could help you rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one might have been a victim of child sex trafficking, learn more about how The Stoddard Firm holds sex trafficking enablers accountable and returns their ill-gotten profits to the hands of survivors. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office at 470-467-2200 to schedule a confidential consultation as soon as today.
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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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
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.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
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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