Lawsuit Against Hotels for Human Trafficking: Who Qualifies?

Individuals who have been a victim of human trafficking, forced sexual activity, or sexual exploitation within hotel premises may qualify to file a lawsuit against the hotels involved.

The ability to file a claim may rely upon demonstrating that the hotel had a duty of care that was breached, either through direct involvement in terms of employees aiding human traffickers, or negligence in preventing, reporting, or recognizing the warning signs of trafficking activities.

Survivors must show that the hotel’s actions or inactions contributed to their exploitation.

This includes instances where hotel staff overlooked clear signs of trafficking or where the establishment benefited financially from trafficking activities and illegal sexual services.

The statute of limitations for claims filed under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act is ten years, meaning that victims who dealt with abuse or cases of human trafficking within the past ten years could be eligible to file a claim.

It is extremely important and highly recommended to consult with a lawyer who specializes in human trafficking to understand your legal rights and options.

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What Hotels are Being Investigated for Human Trafficking Lawsuits?

Chain hotels and management companies are being investigated for potential involvement or negligence in facilitating or ignoring instances of trafficking within their premises.

These investigations aim to identify hotels that may have violated the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act by either actively participating in or failing to prevent human trafficking activities.

Hotels being investigated for facilitating or neglecting to report human trafficking include:

• Hilton
• Marriott
• Wyndham
• Best Western
• Choice Hotels
• Red Lion
• Days Inn
• Extended Stay America
• Super 8
• Motel 6
• Red Roof Inn
• Holiday Inn
• Other hotels

Hotel human trafficking cases may be considered for consolidation into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

There is not and will not be a class action lawsuit for hotel human trafficking survivors.

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) differs from class action lawsuits in that each case within an MDL retains its individual characteristics and is judged on its own merits, rather than pooling all claims into a single, uniform lawsuit as in class actions.

This allows for more personalized attention to the specific details of each survivor’s situation, potentially leading to outcomes that better reflect their individual experiences and damages.

For survivors of hotel human trafficking, an MDL could provide a streamlined process for handling numerous cases across different jurisdictions while ensuring that each victim’s unique story is heard and appropriately addressed.

Collective handling can enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings and potentially lead to more systematic changes within the hospitality industry by highlighting widespread issues and enforcing accountability on a larger scale.

Hotels and motels can sometimes serve as facilitators of human trafficking, providing a convenient and low-visibility environment where traffickers exploit victims with reduced risk of detection.

The lack of stringent regulatory compliance and insufficient staff training on recognizing the signs of trafficking can contribute to these establishments becoming hubs of illegal activity.

Hotel employees and staff members must be trained to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and what to do if they suspect trafficking at their workplace.

Effective training and stringent compliance are vital, yet many hotels fail to prioritize these measures and become facilitators of human trafficking.

Negligent establishments not only put victims at risk but also contribute to the broader issue of trafficking by providing a shield of normalcy under which traffickers operate.

It is crucial for the hospitality industry to understand the significant role it plays in either curbing or enabling human trafficking and the blatant violation of human rights.

Hotels and motels must take a proactive stance against trafficking, recognizing suspicious patterns and behaviors that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Hotels have a responsibility to protect guests and victims from exploitation, and must have a committed and vigilant approach to hospitality management.

Why Do Traffickers Use Hotels and Motels?

Traffickers use hotels and motels due to the anonymity and privacy these establishments offer, making it easier to hide illegal activities from law enforcement and the public.

The hospitality industry provides a sense of temporary legitimacy and accessibility, which are crucial for conducting quick and discreet transactions.

The transient nature of hotel accommodations also facilitates the movement and management of victims without attracting undue attention.

Additionally, the often minimal screening procedures to secure a room, and lack of staff training in recognizing signs of trafficking further make hotels and motels common venues for these criminal operations.

What Should a Hotel Do If It Suspects Human Trafficking?

If a hotel suspects human trafficking, it should first ensure that staff are trained to handle such suspicions discreetly and safely, without alerting the traffickers.

Employees should be instructed to document any suspicious behavior or evidence without intervening directly, which could put them or the victims at risk.

The hotel management should immediately report these suspicions to local law enforcement agencies, who are equipped to investigate and intervene appropriately.

Hotels must cooperate fully with law enforcement during any investigations, providing access to records and surveillance footage that may help identify and prosecute traffickers.

Implementing a clear protocol for reporting and responding to trafficking activities, and training staff regularly on these procedures, is essential for hotels to play an active role in combating this crime.

How Have Hotels Failed to Protect Victims?

Hotels have often failed to protect victims of human trafficking by neglecting to train their staff adequately on recognizing and responding to signs of exploitation.

Many establishments lack proper policies or do not enforce the policies they have, which could prevent or disrupt trafficking activities.

In some cases, hotel employees have ignored obvious signs of distress or illegal activity due to a lack of awareness or a misguided emphasis on guest privacy.

Some hotels have been found complicit, with staff deliberately overlooking or facilitating trafficking in exchange for bribes or other benefits.

This failure not only perpetuates the suffering of victims but also enables traffickers to operate with impunity within the hospitality sector.

Several resources and support networks are available for human trafficking survivors.

If you or someone you know is seeking help after surviving human trafficking, the following resources are available to provide the support you deserve:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: A confidential, 24/7 support service for victims and survivors of human trafficking, offering assistance in over 200 languages. They provide help with emergency shelter, transportation, and referrals for legal and social services. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
• Polaris Project: An organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline and works to combat and prevent modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
• Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST): Offers counseling, legal services, and advocacy for survivors, aiming to empower them to reclaim their freedom and advocate for systemic change.
• Freedom Network USA: Provides access to a range of services for trafficking survivors, including legal, social, and health services, through its member organizations across the country.
• The Salvation Army: The anti-trafficking programs at the Salvation Army offer emergency and transitional housing, legal services, and employment assistance to survivors.

These Lawsuits Raise Awareness for Human Trafficking Victims

Hotel trafficking cases are not only about holding businesses accountable but also about building broader human trafficking awareness.

Survivors often describe being forced into domestic servitude or sexual exploitation while traffickers and hotels alike prioritized financial gain over human dignity.

Many victims come from vulnerable backgrounds, and traffickers deliberately take advantage of their socioeconomic status or exploit language barriers to keep them silent and dependent.

By bringing legal action, survivors are shedding light on how this crime operates within hotels and how brands have profited from it.

These lawsuits emphasize that trafficking is not just about money, but about lives that have been deeply harmed, and they push for systemic changes to protect future victims.

Our attorneys have a commitment to honoring survivors of human trafficking and are providing assistance to those impacted by the negligence of hotels across the country.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by such experiences, we encourage you to reach out.

Our team is prepared to listen, understand, and guide you through the process of exploring your legal options with compassion and confidentiality.

If you have any questions or are seeking clarity about your situation and potential legal avenues, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are here to provide you with information and support needed to make informed decisions about your next steps.

TorHoerman Law is partnered with trusted lawyers with decades of experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

We collaborate with select attorneys who are leaders in national litigation against hotels and hospitality chains to ensure the best possible legal representation and outcome for survivors of these tragic situations.

Reach out to us for more information.