Building a Civil Case Against Traffickers and Enablers
Civil lawsuits give trafficking victims a way to pursue justice beyond criminal prosecution. But proving a trafficking claim in court requires strong evidence and a skilled legal team. At The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we, with our national partners, represent human trafficking victims and help survivors demonstrate how traffickers—and the businesses that enabled them—violated the law.
Elements of a Human Trafficking Civil Claim
To win compensation, attorneys must prove three key elements:
- Exploitation occurred – through force, fraud, or coercion.
- The defendant participated in or benefited from the trafficking.
- The victim suffered harm as a result.
Even companies that did not directly traffic individuals may be liable if they profited or ignored warning signs.
Contact Steven Gacovino Today!
Free Comprehensive Review
"(Required)" indicates required fields
Types of Evidence in Trafficking Lawsuits
Proving human trafficking in court often relies on evidence such as:
- Hotel booking records or surveillance footage
- Text messages, emails, or social media evidence
- Eyewitness testimony
- Employment or payment records
- Expert testimony from psychologists or investigators
An experienced trafficking lawyer will gather and organize this evidence to establish a clear link between the traffickers and those who benefited.
Want a Free Confidential Consultation?
The Importance of Corporate Liability
Many civil trafficking cases focus on corporate negligence. For instance, hotels that failed to train employees to recognize trafficking, or online platforms that ignored explicit posts, may face liability. These lawsuits send a clear message that looking the other way is not acceptable.
The Role of Federal Law
Civil attorneys often rely on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and Section 1595 to bring federal cases. This gives survivors access to broader discovery tools and the ability to hold large corporations accountable in U.S. courts.
Damages Available to Survivors
Compensation can cover therapy, lost income, medical care, and emotional suffering. Many survivors also seek punitive damages to punish willful neglect or exploitation.
Justice Starts with One Step
If you believe you were trafficked or exploited, it’s never too late to come forward. Legal options exist to hold traffickers and negligent businesses accountable.
Fill out the form on this page or call The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. today for a confidential consultation.
See more about how trafficking cases are prosecuted on the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Related Links
Quick Contact
Have a legal question? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly. We’re here to help with honest answers and trusted guidance.
Reviews
These guys were the most wonderful people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I trully felt like they were fighting for me every step of the way!