North Carolina Human Trafficking Lawyers

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. and across the globe. The Department of Homeland Security calls human trafficking “modern-day slavery,” and it’s more widespread than you may believe, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide.

North Carolina human trafficking lawyers at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. want victims to know there is a way out, and we can help. Learn the signs of trafficking and the steps to take if you or someone you know is being exploited.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Trafficking in persons is a crime that involves forcing or coercing a person to provide labor or services, including sex acts. It can impact people of any age, race, gender, or socio-economic status.

Traffickers entice victims into trafficking situations by manipulation, false promises of high-paying jobs, or romantic enticements. They also use physical violence to force victims to cooperate. These victims are held against their will and abused or threatened with harm, so they are unable to escape.

Even if the victim initially agrees to provide labor or sex acts, consent does not make the conduct okay—or lawful. Criminal and civil law focuses on the perpetrator’s actions and how they get the victim to do what they want. Modern-day slavery takes many forms and may be happening in your very own community.

Forms of human trafficking include:

• Child soldiers
• Debt bondage
• Domestic servitude
• Forced begging
• Forced labor
• Forced marriage
• Organ removal
• Sexual exploitation

In the U.S., forced labor and sex trafficking are the two most common forms of trafficking. Victims are often forced to perform hard labor in agriculture, factories, and construction sites for little or no pay and with poor living conditions.  They are often required to perform duties such as housekeepers at hotels, busing tables at convention halls, or cleaning commercial properties at night.

With sex trafficking, a trafficker recruits, harbors, transports, or solicits a child or adult to engage in sexual activities for money.

North Carolina Human Trafficking Statistics and Laws

North Carolina currently ranks 9^th in the nation for states with the highest human trafficking rates. Experts believe this is because of North Carolina’s access to interstate highways, a large and transient military community, and the demand for cheap labor in the farming sector.

Trafficking is a felony crime in North Carolina, punishable by jail time. If the trafficker crosses state lines, it also becomes a federal offense.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 also paves the way for victims to bring civil actions for damages in the U.S. Civil lawsuits for human trafficking allow victims to seek financial compensation for mental and physical harm.

Why Choose Rhine Law Firm for Human Trafficking Cases?

Rhine Law Firm advocates for human trafficking victims and pursues full and fair compensation for the financial losses and physical and emotional trauma they’ve endured when, for example, an employer knew or should have known that a “crew” of employees was forced labor

Through our work representing institutional sex abuse survivors, we have learned just how difficult it can be to speak out about abuse. We approach each case with empathy and compassion to reassure victims that they are not alone and that support is available.

Our personal injury lawyers systematically build a solid case detail by detail to achieve the desired outcome: justice and relief for survivors.

Legal Steps for Filing a Human Trafficking Lawsuit

At Rhine Law Firm, an initial consultation is the first step in a human trafficking lawsuit. We meet to discuss your situation and determine if trafficking occurred under the law.

We can assist you in reporting trafficking to local law enforcement and/or federal agencies. Rhine Law Firm human trafficking lawyers can also help you connect to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) and connect with social service agencies to help you make a safe transition out of trafficking.

While your criminal case proceeds, we pursue justice through civil litigation. As your civil attorney, we oversee every facet of your case. We investigate your case, obtain evidence, including medical records and police reports, and hire witness experts if needed.

We calculate the value of your claim and fight for full and fair compensation that reflects the ways your life has been impacted by exploitation.

Seeking Compensation and Damages for Trafficking Survivors

In a civil human trafficking lawsuit, different forms of compensation are possible.

• Economic damages: These are actual financial losses caused by the defendant’s harm. They include bills for medical care, counseling, and lost wages.
• Noneconomic damages: These damages represent any intangible losses you suffered. Emotional trauma, mental distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in trafficking cases.
• Punitive damages: Trafficking victims may also secure punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the defendant and deter them from reoffending and harming others in the future.

Remember that your situation is unique, and damages are computed case-by-case. We continually push for maximum compensation for our clients to ease their financial burden and allow them to focus on their healing journey.

Rhine Law Firm Believes and Supports Survivors

Trafficking victims are not always physically restrained. When it comes to escaping a trafficking situation, psychological manipulation can often be more powerful. Victims may stay because of their immigration status, or they simply lack the resources to get out. They may fear physical harm if they try to leave or feel burdened by the perceived stigma of sex work or forced labor.

At Rhine Law Firm, we provide legal representation focused on holding abusers responsible and helping trafficking survivors move forward. We empower survivors through support and advocacy and work to dispel the shame and fear surrounding modern-day slavery.

Trafficking is not your fault, and you deserve justice.

Contacting Rhine Law Firm

We are here if you are ready to take the first step toward a new beginning. Call or connect online to schedule a free and discreet consultation with North Carolina human trafficking lawyers at Rhine Law Firm. We ensure confidentiality and sensitivity in all communications. Based in Wilmington, our award-winning personal injury attorneys assist clients across North Carolina.