A woman who claims she was assaulted by an acquaintance in 2011 is suing the motel where she claims to have been held captive for several days.

Victim Files Human Trafficking Lawsuit Against Motel Where She Was Held Captive

Plaintiff Lisa R. says that in the summer of 2011 she received a call from a man she knew, asking her to help him after a recent and painful surgery. However, when she went to meet him and checked in with him to the Shangri-La Motel in Massachusetts, she claims that he became violent.

According to Lisa, she was held captive at the hotel for several days. Although she believes that several employees saw her in distress, hotel workers failed to intervene. Eventually she was able to escape, and the man who assaulted her was sent to prison. However, Lisa also claims that the hotel is partially responsible for her assault. Under a law known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), she filed a human trafficking lawsuit against the Shangri-La Motel.

According to Lisa’s sex trafficking lawsuit, the man who held her captive assaulted her, beat her, and told her he intended to force her into prostitution. She claims that he was able to hold her captive in the hotel by taking her car, keys, phone, and driver’s license, and that he forced her into a weak and disoriented state by force-feeding her drugs and not allowing her to consume anything other than vodka and cranberry juice.

Additionally, Lisa claims that his relationship with the motel’s owners allowed him to house her there without repercussions, despite what she claims were clear signs of her abuse. On one occasion, Lisa claims that she attempted to escape, and was dragged back to the room in front of one of the hotel managers. Despite telling the manager that she was being held against her will, Lisa claims that the manager did not help her as her abuser kicked her and forced her back into the hotel room.

After several delays and appeals, the case was settled in December 2019, with Lisa receiving an undisclosed settlement amount.

Human Trafficking and Hotels

Lisa’s case is not the only case to be filed against a hotel chain regarding human trafficking. At least 25 cases were filed against hotels and motels in 2019 under the TVPA. Similar lawsuits have been filed against major chains including Choice Hotels International, Inter-Continental Hotels, Best Western, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Many of the plaintiffs in these suits claim that they felt invisible or abandoned, and that hotel employees turned a blind eye to their abuse.

Although most major U.S. hotel chains have stated that their employees are trained to detect the signs of human trafficking, victims and advocates claim that when it comes down to it, hotel employees rarely intervene even when clear signs of abuse are present.

These human trafficking signs may include guests checking in without luggage, a man paying for the room while a woman is the one staying in it, paying for a room in cash, multiple male guests coming and going from the room, excessive requests for linens and towels, refusal to allow housekeeping to enter the room, or guests who appear distrustful of security or act as if they are being watched.

Victims of sex trafficking who were housed and trafficked at hotels may be able to sue the hotel chains that failed to put a stop to their abuse. Speaking with an experienced attorney may be the first step towards filing a human trafficking lawsuit in order to pursue compensation and justice.

If you were a victim of sex trafficking and forced to work at a truck stop, hotel or motel, night club or other hotel venue, you may be eligible to move forward with a civil investigation against these businesses. This investigation involves a civil case, and is not a criminal case against you or your loved ones.

Top Class Actions is working with experienced human trafficking attorneys who will be informed and sensitive to your situation. Join the fight by filling out the short form on this page. 

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