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Personal Injury
Sex Trafficking Lawyer
Were you harmed by sex trafficking and wondering whether you have legal rights? Wilshire Law Firm helps survivors pursue confidential civil claims against traffickers and the businesses that profited. Contact us 24/7 for a free, confidential case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
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Understanding Your Sexual Abuse Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Survivors of sex trafficking have legal rights that go beyond what many people realize, including the right to bring a civil claim for money damages. Both federal and California law allow survivors to hold traffickers — and, in many cases, the businesses that knowingly profited from trafficking — financially accountable. This civil claim is separate from any criminal case, and a legal professional can explain your options during a free, confidential case review.
The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) gives survivors a private right of action to sue for damages under 18 U.S.C. § 1595. This provision allows a survivor to recover from anyone who participated in a trafficking venture, as well as from those who knowingly benefited from it. Because these claims involve detailed federal standards, it is generally best to review the specifics with a legal professional.
California law provides state civil remedies in addition to the federal TVPA. California Penal Code § 236.1 defines sex trafficking, and California Civil Code § 52.5 allows survivors to bring a civil action for damages against those responsible. The 2018 federal FOSTA-SESTA law also addressed the liability of online platforms used to facilitate trafficking. These laws can apply together, and a legal professional can review which remedies fit your situation.
Liability can extend beyond the individual trafficker to businesses and other parties that knowingly benefited from the trafficking venture. Under § 1595 and California law, potentially responsible parties can include hotels and motels that were aware of trafficking on their premises, online platforms, transportation companies, and other commercial beneficiaries with knowledge of the venture. Identifying every accountable party is a core part of building a survivor's civil case.
Survivors may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages through a civil claim. These can include compensation for physical and psychological harm, the value of exploited labor or services, medical and therapy costs, and other losses caused by the trafficking. Because every survivor's circumstances are different, a legal professional can review your potential recovery during a free, confidential case review.
Confidentiality is a priority in survivor cases, and in many civil proceedings privacy protections are available to trafficking survivors. These protections can help limit public disclosure of a survivor's identity. Wilshire Law Firm handles every survivor matter with discretion and a trauma-informed approach, and a legal professional can explain the confidentiality options that may apply to your case.
Meet Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. Guest, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$4.0M
$3.0M
$2.5M
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
Can I File a Civil Claim Against a Hotel Where Trafficking Occurred?
Potentially yes — hotels and other hospitality businesses that knowingly benefited from trafficking activity while aware of the situation have faced substantial civil liability under 18 U.S.C. § 1595. A survivor's civil claim is independent of any criminal case and does not require that the trafficking was reported to law enforcement. Because liability depends on what the business knew and how it benefited, it is best to review the facts with a legal professional at Wilshire Law Firm during a free, confidential case review.
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*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Sexual Abuse FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
Yes. Beyond any criminal case, survivors of sex trafficking may have the right to bring a civil claim for money damages against those responsible. Both federal and California law provide civil remedies that allow survivors to seek accountability and compensation. A survivor controls the decision to pursue a claim, and consultations are private.
Liability can extend beyond an individual trafficker to businesses and other parties that knowingly benefited from a trafficking venture they knew or should have known about. This has, in some cases, included hotels or other businesses whose facilities were used. Whether a particular party can be held responsible depends on what they knew and how they benefited.
No. A civil claim is generally independent of any police report or criminal case, so a survivor can pursue one whether or not law enforcement was ever involved. Civil cases focus on accountability and compensation for the survivor. Your options can be reviewed confidentially, at your own pace.
Confidentiality is a priority in survivor cases. Courts can provide privacy protections for trafficking survivors in civil proceedings, in many cases allowing a survivor to proceed without publicly disclosing their identity. Your first conversation with an attorney is private. An attorney can explain the specific protections that may apply.
The deadline depends on whether the claim arises under federal or California law and on the facts of the case, and in some situations the time to file can be extended. Because these limits vary and can be complex, it is important to have your situation reviewed promptly. Deadlines have exceptions, so confirm the one that applies to you without delay.