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by The Stoddard Firm - October 20th, 2021
Child sex trafficking is, of course, an extremely serious crime with potential prison sentences to match. What many don’t realize is that it’s also grounds for a civil lawsuit.
Some survivors like the idea of suing their traffickers, while others are hesitant for a variety of reasons, from emotional complications to fear of retaliation. From a legal perspective, suing a sex trafficker directly is certainly an option, but not the most practical one. The reason is that most of these criminals, especially those who’ve been caught, convicted, and jailed, will never be able to pay what they owe to their victims.
Fortunately, under the law, any person or business that knowingly profits off of enabling child sex trafficking can also be sued for child sex trafficking. Common culprits include hotels that harbor pimping and websites that host ads for underage commercial sex. These sites were once off limits for lawsuits, but that’s changed since the passage of SESTA/FOSTA.
Companies like these are much more likely to be able to compensate survivors and fund their recovery process than individual traffickers. Suing companies for their complicity in child sex trafficking can also help drive industry-wide change and make it harder for sex traffickers to get away with what they do in the future.
Child sex trafficking is a serious and pervasive problem in Georgia, and many victims spend months or years under the control of their abusers without getting the help they deserve. However, this does not mean that there is no help to be had, or that sex traffickers can never be brought to justice.
In mid-September, two men, Theodore Thomas Browne and Christopher Darren Weldon, were indicted in Clayton County for human trafficking and several related sex crimes involving underage victims. Between them, they’re facing up to 200 years of prison time.
Just a few days later, in Greene County, Jevarius Torel Wisdom pled guilty to charges of trafficking a 17-year-old girl for sexual servitude. He was originally identified as a suspect in 2016, when an officer who had pulled him over for a speeding ticket recognized the signs of human trafficking, thanks to modern police training.
Law and procedure are improving to better protect child sex trafficking survivors, on a criminal and civil level. The young people victimized by Browne, Weldon, and Wisdom can hopefully take some satisfaction in watching them face criminal justice, and can also file suits against all complicit parties in civil court.
Some survivors of underage sex trafficking fight to escape or call for rescue, but have no idea that they’re entitled to more than just seeing their abusers convicted and sentenced. Others may not even realize that what they experienced was sex trafficking until years later.
If anyone has ever tried to subject you to sexual contact of any kind while you were under the age of 18, successfully or unsuccessfully, for the purpose of gaining money or some other benefit, know that you are a survivor of child sex trafficking. It doesn’t matter whether you were in a relationship with the person, or whether you verbally agreed at the time, for any reason.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have been transported over state lines, or any distance at all, for your exploitation to count as trafficking. Even if you have since turned 18, what happened to you while you were a minor was still child sex trafficking, and you can sue complicit parties accordingly.
To talk to a lawyer about your options for pursuing justice and recovery, contact The Stoddard Firm by phone or chat 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.
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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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