Attorney for sex trafficking victims says he hopes settlement will change hotels' behavior

July 3rd, 2024

The Red Roof Inn location at the intersection of Buford Highway and N. Druid Hills Rd. is one of two named in an ongoing civil lawsuit claiming the company overlooked blatant human trafficking on the property. (Courtesy of reservationdesk.com)

In a landmark case, Red Roof Inn, Inc. has settled with 11 survivors of sex trafficking, marking the first national brand to face such a trial.

Lead counsel Pat McDonough from Andersen, Tate & Carr represented the plaintiffs, who alleged that the corporation knowingly allowed prostitution and trafficking at two Atlanta locations between 2009 and 2018.

McDonough said the trial allowed the survivors to share their harrowing experiences in open court, aiming to bring about institutional change in the hospitality industry.

“Our clients are thrilled with the settlement. They wanted their stories heard to spur changes in hotel policies and training to prevent future trafficking,” he said.

McDonough joined “All Things Considered” to talk about what the settlement may mean for the future of similar litigation against the hospitality industry.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.