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by The Stoddard Firm - January 21st, 2026
The Stoddard Firm has resolved a second, unrelated sex trafficking civil case for $2,900,000.00, securing accountability for a minor who was trafficked at a separate commercial hotel property in metro Atlanta.
This case involved a seventeen-year-old girl who was brought to Atlanta under false pretenses and subsequently exploited over the course of approximately one week in 2018. Criminal proceedings later confirmed that traffickers were responsible for the underlying conduct, resulting in convictions that established the criminal nature of the activity occurring at the property.
The civil investigation focused on the hotel’s role in allowing trafficking to occur openly and repeatedly on its premises. Evidence developed during discovery showed that the traffickers operated in plain view, with repeated foot traffic to and from hotel rooms, routine room rentals paid in cash, and a pattern of activity consistent with commercial sex. Despite these warning signs, the property continued to rent rooms and failed to implement meaningful security or preventative measures.
The lawsuit asserted claims under federal anti-trafficking laws, Georgia premises liability statutes, and public nuisance principles. These claims alleged that the property knowingly benefited from repeated room rentals connected to trafficking activity and failed to exercise ordinary care to protect guests from foreseeable criminal conduct. Survivors in similar situations often rely on an experienced Atlanta human trafficking lawyer like the Stoddard Firm to investigate complex records, law-enforcement data, and corporate practices that are rarely uncovered without litigation.
“This was not an isolated incident,” Matthew Stoddard said. “The evidence showed a longstanding pattern of criminal activity at the property and a conscious decision not to fund or enforce reasonable safety measures.”
The case required extensive review of room rental records, police reports, surveillance capabilities, and employee testimony, as well as coordination with criminal case materials. The settlement was reached only after the firm fully developed the case and prepared it for trial.
The Stoddard Firm is known for handling a limited number of high-value, high-impact cases, including sex trafficking litigation, catastrophic injury claims, and wrongful death matters. As an Atlanta sex trafficking lawyer, the firm routinely invests significant resources into cases that require expert analysis, long discovery timelines, and trial readiness.
Civil sex trafficking litigation plays a critical role in survivor recovery by forcing institutional accountability and driving changes in how businesses address known risks on their properties. The Stoddard Firm continues to focus its practice on cases where preparation, funding, and a willingness to try the case make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
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
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.
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This firm is the best in Atlanta, simple as that.
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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