The number of armchair lawyers here who believe that they understand the fifth amendment is impressive.
You can hold the fifth amendment against people in civil trials in federal court.
See, e.g., 425 US 308, 318
"Our conclusion is consistent with the prevailing rule that the Fifth Amendment does not forbid adverse inferences against parties to civil actions when they refuse to testify in response to probative evidence offered against them: "
There is a well-established test for when negative inferences may be drawn.
Note also that federal courts can force the witness to take the stand and invoke the privilege in front of a civil jury.
Even further, federal courts may allow an adverse inference against a company from an employee’s or former employee’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment.
Most courts follow LiButti v. United States on this matter.
You can hold the fifth amendment against people in civil trials in federal court. See, e.g., 425 US 308, 318 "Our conclusion is consistent with the prevailing rule that the Fifth Amendment does not forbid adverse inferences against parties to civil actions when they refuse to testify in response to probative evidence offered against them: "
There is a well-established test for when negative inferences may be drawn.
Note also that federal courts can force the witness to take the stand and invoke the privilege in front of a civil jury.
Even further, federal courts may allow an adverse inference against a company from an employee’s or former employee’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment.
Most courts follow LiButti v. United States on this matter.