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by The Stoddard Firm - March 23rd, 2022
As Georgia carries on with its statewide efforts against sex trafficking, Coweta County remains a hotspot. Through multiple rounds of mass arrests, the same types of criminal operations crop up again and again.
For every investigation that recovers one or two more victims, it’s safe to assume that there are many more out there, unidentified and continuing to be abused.
Many have no idea that there are ways out, or ways of fighting back.
Toward the end of February, Coweta County police arrested 26 people in their latest two-day prostitution sting. They also extracted an underage girl who had been reported missing over a year ago.
Unfortunately, only three of the arrests were for pimping; the rest were for prostitution and some drug charges.
This closely mirrors the department’s previous stings, particularly one from 2020 which produced 25 arrests, five of them for pimping, and one rescue. In that case, the rescued individual was an adult woman, but police quickly recognized her as a victim due to the fact that she’d been shot in the leg, and her pimp was preventing her from seeking care.
It’s worth noting, of course, that the number of rescued victims in each of these cases may have quietly gone up after the initial reports. One representative for the Coweta County Sheriff’s Department has reiterated that any suspected victims will be interviewed by the Homeland Security Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, to determine their true status. That could include many of those arrested for prostitution.
Regardless, however, of what methods police are using to identify and differentiate perpetrators and victims, it’s clear that sex trafficking remains alive and well in Coweta County. To stop this practice and the immeasurable harm it causes to girls, women, and other victims, deeper change is necessary.
Recruiting, transporting, and housing victims, finding and coordinating with customers, and hosting transactional sex all require infrastructure. Very rarely do sex trafficking organizations personally own all the resources necessary to do what they do.
Sex traffickers rent apartments and hotel rooms. They use rideshares. They advertise on third-party platforms. Almost every move they make depends on one kind of provider or another.
Sometimes, the otherwise legitimate companies that sex traffickers do business with have no idea how their products and services are being used. Very often, however, companies deliberately ignore or enable sex trafficking among their customers. They might do this in exchange for outright bribes, or because sex trafficking brings them lots of business, or simply because they don’t care enough to act.
The police battle against sex trafficking rarely focuses on complicit hotel owners, property management companies, and rideshare services. Ethically and legally, though, these entities are sex traffickers too, every bit as much as the pimps and the johns.
If anything, corrupt businesses have more influence over sex trafficking than individual pimps do. They have the ability to cut off access to the spaces and services that the industry depends on. But they’ll only do this if enabling sex trafficking becomes bad for business, instead of good.
Survivors of sex trafficking have the power to force this change through civil lawsuits. By taking away the profits these companies gain from sex trafficking, survivors can help create a future that sex traffickers can’t operate in. In the process, those same survivors can also get the compensation they need to build new lives.
If you have been coerced in any way into commercial sex acts in Georgia, reach out to The Stoddard Firm to learn more.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
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.
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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