Human Trafficking Lawsuits

Understanding Human Trafficking Lawsuits in West Virginia

Human trafficking is an unfortunate and pervasive issue across the United States. Shockingly, the perpetrators are not confined to individual criminals but often include large business chains that directly or indirectly enable this trade. Airlines, truck stops, classified websites, and certain hotels are frequently implicated in facilitating this modern-day slavery. Consequently, investigating these businesses is just as critical as pursuing individual offenders when human trafficking cases surface.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we provide comprehensive legal representation to victims of human trafficking who have been subjected to sexual exploitation or forced labor. Our Cleveland federal criminal lawyeris dedicated to pursuing justice and achieving a favorable outcome for your case.

What You Need to Know About Human Trafficking Lawsuits

Both state and federal laws empower survivors of human trafficking to file lawsuits against businesses that knowingly or negligently enable this heinous crime. Notably, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (amended in 2008) permits survivors to bring civil claims against businesses that knowingly participate in or profit from human trafficking or provide aid while turning a blind eye to suspicious activities.

According to reports, the human trafficking industry generates an alarming $150 billion annually, with $99 billion stemming from sexual exploitation alone. Curtailing the support these businesses provide to trafficking networks is paramount to dismantling these operations and ensuring traffickers face the full force of the law.

Organizations like the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and World Without Exploitation are actively working to combat human trafficking and support survivors.They focus on reducing the prevalence of these crimes and reintegrating survivors into society.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we share this mission. We tirelessly hold individuals and entities accountable, ensuring they face appropriate consequences for their involvement in trafficking crimes.

The Power of Survivor Stories

When a survivor of human trafficking has the courage to share their story, it often inspires others to come forward. Speaking out sheds light on the businesses and individuals fueling this criminal network and represents a significant step in the fight for justice. Your voice has the power to make a difference, paving the way for justice and protection for future victims.

What Is Human Trafficking?

While sexual exploitation often garners the most attention in trafficking cases, it is far from the only form of abuse. Human trafficking also encompasses forced labor across various industries, including domestic work, sweatshop factories, construction sites, restaurants, and hotels. It may also involve coerced sexual exploitation in marriages.

The fight against human trafficking in the U.S. began making significant strides with the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000, signed into law by President William Clinton. This act defined human trafficking as the “recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person” for labor or sexual services through the use of “force, fraud, or coercion.”

Although gathering accurate data on trafficking is challenging, Forbes identifies it as one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. today. Complicating the issue further is the overlap in some instances with crimes like domestic violence, making cases even harder to categorize accurately.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, introduced in 2015, holds individuals accountable for benefiting from trafficking victims, whether financially or sexually. Over the past few years, numerous websites, hotels, and airlines have been sued for their roles in human trafficking.

Seeking Justice and Compensation

If you or a loved one has survived human trafficking and are now seeking justice, you don’t have to face this fight alone. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Ohio federal criminal attorney is prepared to help you secure the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Together, we can make strides toward a world that no longer tolerates this modern-day slavery. Contact us today at (330) 992-3036 to schedule a consultation and begin your path toward justice.