Were you or someone close to you a victim of sex trafficking in Galveston, Texas? Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (409) 207-9299. Our compassionate Galveston sex trafficking attorneys can help you take legal action and recover compensation.
We have 58 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $500 million for victims and their families to date. We understand that you may be going through an immensely difficult time at the moment, and we want to be there to help you to the best of our ability.
Call today or send us a message online to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why Hire The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers After a Sex Trafficking Case in Galveston, Texas?
At The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, we have earned a reputation in Galveston, TX, for standing up for survivors and holding powerful entities accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
We understand that these cases involve extreme trauma, both physical and emotional. That’s why we will handle your case with the utmost empathy and discretion.
When you hire our Galveston personal injury lawyers, you can expect:
- Personal attention from experienced attorneys: You’ll work directly with a lawyer who understands the sensitive nature of your case and will protect your privacy at every step.
- A track record of success you can count on: With hundreds of millions recovered, our team knows how to take on large corporations and get winning results.
- The resources to build a strong case: We’ll collaborate with investigators and other experts in human trafficking to uncover the truth and strengthen your claim.
- A commitment to accountability and justice: We will pursue compensation from every responsible party, from traffickers to corporations that failed to prevent or report the abuse.
- Contingency fee representation: You only pay attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case.
Our law firm believes survivors deserve both justice and the financial resources needed to rebuild their lives. We’ll stand with you through every step of your case and fight for the full measure of compensation available under Texas law. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Galveston sex trafficking lawyer.
Sex Trafficking Under Texas Law
Texas law defines sex trafficking as the use of “force, fraud, or coercion” to cause another person to engage in commercial sex acts. Trafficking can also occur when a person profits from or transports someone for sexual exploitation.
Sex trafficking doesn’t always involve kidnapping or chains. Many victims are manipulated through emotional control, threats, or economic dependence. Traffickers often target people in vulnerable situations as well, such as those experiencing homelessness and financial instability.
In Texas, the key statute governing this crime is Texas Penal Code § 20A.02, which makes human trafficking a felony offense. The law is especially harsh when minors are involved, in that no proof of force or coercion is required when the victim is under 18.
Civil claims can also arise from trafficking. Survivors may have the right to file a lawsuit for damages against traffickers and anyone else who was involved in the operation. Notably, you can win your civil claim regardless of how the criminal proceedings play out because the burden of proof is lower in a civil case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Galveston Sex Trafficking Civil Case?
Sex trafficking often involves multiple layers of responsibility. While criminal prosecution targets the traffickers themselves, civil lawsuits can reach a broader group of people and entities that contributed to or profited from the abuse.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Traffickers and recruiters: Those directly involved in coercing or transporting victims for commercial sex acts.
- Hotels and motels: Businesses that knowingly allowed trafficking to occur on their property or ignored clear warning signs.
- Online platforms: Websites or social media companies that hosted ads or messages connected to trafficking activity.
- Employers and business owners: Those who benefited financially or failed to implement safety measures to prevent exploitation.
- Transportation companies: Bus, trucking, and rideshare services that knowingly transported trafficking victims.
- Property owners and landlords: Individuals and corporations that permitted trafficking activity on their premises.
Civil liability doesn’t replace criminal charges; rather, it complements them. A civil claim allows survivors to pursue compensation for the harm they’ve endured and to hold negligent parties financially responsible.
What Are Some Common Signs and Red Flags of Sex Trafficking?
Recognizing the signs of trafficking is critical both for prevention and for building a strong case. Many victims are isolated, threatened, or too afraid to seek help. Understanding what to look for can make a difference.
Common indicators include:
- Restricted movement or constant supervision by another person
- Signs of physical abuse, such as malnutrition or exhaustion
- Fearful or submissive behavior
- No control over personal identification or finances
- Inconsistent stories about their situation or location
- Working long hours for little or no pay
- Staying in hotels or short-term rentals for extended periods
If any of these signs sound familiar to your experience or someone you know, it’s important to reach out to law enforcement or a trusted attorney as soon as possible. The sooner action is taken, the greater the chance of protecting survivors and pursuing justice.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Available to Survivors of Sex Trafficking in Texas?
Survivors of sex trafficking often suffer lasting harm that impacts their lives in many ways all at once. Civil lawsuits give victims the opportunity to recover both economic and non-economic damages from those who enabled or benefited from the exploitation.
Available compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Decreased earning capacity
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Every survivor’s experience is unique. Our legal team will take the time to understand the full scope of your losses so we can pursue as much compensation as possible on your behalf.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Sex Trafficking?
Sex trafficking leaves deep scars that extend far beyond the period of captivity. Survivors often face years of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding these long-term effects helps explain why fair compensation is so critical.
Common lasting effects include:
- Chronic physical pain or injury from abuse
- Conditions like PTSD and depression
- Difficulty forming trust or relationships
- Loss of educational or job opportunities
- Fear of retaliation from traffickers or associates
- Financial hardship caused by years of exploitation
At The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, we don’t just seek a full financial recovery; we advocate for lasting change. We connect survivors with counselors and advocacy organizations that can help rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sex Trafficking Lawyer in Galveston?
Our sex trafficking lawyers in Galveston handle cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any upfront fees or hourly rates to hire us. Instead, we only get paid as a percentage of the financial recovery we secure for you.
If we don’t obtain a jury verdict or settlement agreement on your behalf, you don’t pay anything at all in terms of attorney’s fees. We’ll also agree to terms at the beginning of your case so that you will know what to expect during the legal process.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Sex Trafficking Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law recognizes that many survivors of sex trafficking need time before they are ready to come forward. As a result, the state allows extended deadlines for certain civil claims involving human trafficking.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.0045, survivors may have up to 30 years after turning 18 (or after the trafficking ends) to file a lawsuit. This means that even if the exploitation took place long ago, you may still have the right to seek justice.
It’s important to act as soon as possible, however. Evidence can become harder to find over time, and witnesses may be more difficult to locate. Speaking with a reputable sex trafficking attorney in Galveston can help you determine exactly how much time you have and what steps to take next.
Contact Our Galveston Sex Trafficking Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sex trafficking in Galveston, TX, you deserve justice and a chance to reclaim your future. The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to stand by your side from start to finish.
Our legal team brings 58 years of combined experience to the table and has recovered more than $500 million for clients across Texas. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge, so call today or contact us online to speak directly with a Galveston sex trafficking lawyer.
