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by The Stoddard Firm - September 22nd, 2022
It’s no revelation that Atlanta has a serious problem with sex trafficking. In 2014, Urban Institute published a study examining sex trafficking in eight of the U.S’s most notorious cities. Based on their findings, Atlanta’s sex trafficking industry had expanded significantly in the previous decade, surpassing even Miami’s.
Ever since these numbers came to light, Atlanta has been trying to shed its “Sex Trafficking Capital” reputation, with new anti-trafficking programs and stronger anti-trafficking laws. Unfortunately, judging by the latest FBI crackdown, that grim reputation still has a strong basis in fact.
As ever, teen girls bear the brunt of this horrifying phenomenon.
Operation Cross Country is an FBI project, in which the Bureau coordinates with regional organizations to recover as many human trafficking victims and missing children as possible. As the name suggests, Operation Cross Country periodically sweeps the entire United States in search of victims and perpetrators.
The 12th and most recent wave of Operation Cross Country took place in early August and lasted two weeks. During that time, 85 suspected human traffickers and 225 possible victims were identified. The average age for the victims was between 15 and 16, and 84 of them were under 18 at the time when they were found.
Of those 84 underage victims from across the country, 28 were found in Georgia, mainly in the Metro Atlanta area. At least nine of them are confirmed to have been sexually exploited before the FBI intervention.
Wellspring Living, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on supporting survivors of trafficking, has expressed a lack of surprise, stating that Atlanta remains a particularly profitable area for pimps to operate, with high demand for victims.
In spite of so many apparent victims being found in Atlanta, only four of the suspected traffickers identified during Operation Cross Country XII were apprehended in the Atlanta area.
Even if more Atlanta-based traffickers had been caught, it wouldn’t necessarily make Atlanta safer in the long term, or make it easier for the survivors to rebuild their lives. Individual criminals are easily replaced within the human trafficking industry, and while they can be sued, they rarely have enough personal wealth to pay their victims the compensation they owe.
However, it is possible for survivors to strike a meaningful blow against sex trafficking, while simultaneously gaining the resources to fund their recoveries.
Sex trafficking depends heavily on the cooperation of otherwise legal businesses, such as:
While legitimate companies sometimes have no way of knowing that they are enabling sex trafficking, many deliberately ignore or even welcome trafficking activities and the profits they bring.
Supporting sex trafficking in any way is illegal, and grounds for a lawsuit from the victims. Unlike individual traffickers, complicit companies can usually afford to pay victims significant settlements, but the cost can force them to reassess their business policies. The more companies decide that enabling sex trafficking isn’t worth the risk, the more difficult it becomes for sex traffickers to operate.
If you are one of the 28 minors found in Georgia during Operation Cross Country XII, or if you have also been sexually exploited in the Metro Atlanta area, reach out to The Stoddard Firm to learn more about your options for justice.
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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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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Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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