The human trafficking lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs field a wide range of questions regarding these cases. Here are some of the most common questions we receive regarding Texas human trafficking laws.
What Compensation Is Recoverable in a Human Trafficking Claim?
In a human trafficking claim, various types of compensation could be available to address the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered. For instance, you could recover money for:
- Medical expenses from trafficking-related physical or psychological injuries
- The costs of mental health services, counseling, or therapy to aid in the healing process
- Unpaid wages, lost income, or losses in lifetime earning capacity
- Intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life
- Reasonable attorney fees and costs related to your trafficking claim
- The costs of rehabilitation programs, vocational training, or educational services you need to support your reintegration into society
- Punitive damages, which courts sometimes order at-fault parties to pay their victims as a form of punishment for particularly egregious offenses
How Long Do I Have to File a Human Trafficking Civil Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, human trafficking lawsuits are subject to strict legal time limits. The filing window for a lawsuit typically starts on the date the victim becomes aware of the harm they suffered, often the date of their liberation from trafficking. The applicable deadlines can vary significantly, often ranging from several years to a decade or more, depending on factors like the sex trafficking victim’s age and the type of trafficking involved.
Missing one of these filing deadlines could jeopardize your right to hold the perpetrators accountable and recover monetary compensation for your suffering. A skilled Houston human trafficking victim attorney can identify key filing deadlines and handle all case details promptly and accurately on your behalf.
Can undocumented immigrants seek legal help for human trafficking?
If you’re an undocumented immigrant, you absolutely have the right to seek legal help if you’ve experienced human trafficking. A lawyer can help you understand what legal options may be available, including possible civil claims, as well as discuss potential safety concerns. Your immigration status should not prevent you from speaking with an attorney about abuse, exploitation, forced labor, or sex trafficking. Undocumented victims of crime can still seek justice. In some cases, you may also have access to immigration-related protections. We’re happy to help you understand the legal rights of undocumented immigrants and your potential next steps in a confidential consultation.
Can victims of human trafficking file a civil lawsuit?
Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the trafficker and other parties who helped, ignored, controlled, or benefited from the trafficking. A civil case proceeds independently of any related criminal prosecution and seeks financial compensation from traffickers through the civil court system. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other harm resulting from the trafficking.
Is my identity protected if I contact a human trafficking lawyer?
Because human trafficking cases involve sensitive facts, it’s reasonable to want to know how your information will be handled before sharing details. Rest assured, your meeting with an attorney from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is confidential. When you contact our firm to discuss possible legal representation, the information you share is protected to the fullest extent possible, even if you don’t ultimately move forward with a case. We can also explain what privacy measures may be available if you choose to file a lawsuit.
Do I have to participate in a criminal case to file a civil claim?
Civil claims may arise from criminal offenses, but human trafficking victims don’t necessarily have to be involved in a related criminal case to pursue a civil claim against a human trafficker. Civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions are separate legal matters that serve different purposes, and the rules and burdens of proof are not the same. You may still have a valid civil claim even if the trafficker wasn’t charged or convicted in criminal court. We can review the facts and discuss whether your claim may move forward independently.
Is there a cost to speak with a human trafficking lawyer?
No. The Houston human trafficking lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs offer a free initial consultation to give you an opportunity to explain your situation, ask questions, and learn whether our firm may be able to help you. It also gives our team a chance to explain how the legal process works in cases like yours. Additionally, our firm works on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We believe there should be no financial risk involved in seeking the legal representation and justice you deserve.
