Uber Held Accountable in Federal Sexual Assault Verdict
A federal jury has delivered a significant ruling, ordering Uber to pay $8.5 million in damages to a woman who alleges she was raped by one of its drivers during a trip in November 2023. The verdict, reached in Arizona on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battles over the ridesharing giant's responsibility for passenger safety.
Challenging Uber's Liability Claims
Uber has long maintained that it is not liable for misconduct by its drivers, arguing they are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. However, this case challenged that stance, with the lawsuit asserting that Uber had prior knowledge of assault incidents and failed to implement adequate safety measures. Sarah London, a lawyer for the plaintiff, stated that the verdict "validates the thousands of survivors who have come forward at great personal risk to demand accountability against Uber," accusing the company of prioritizing profit over passenger safety.
Uber's Response and Appeal Plans
In response, Uber announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that the jury did not find the company negligent or its safety systems defective. Spokesperson Andrew Hasbun highlighted that the verdict "affirms that Uber acted responsibly and has invested meaningfully in rider safety," noting the award was less than the initial request. Uber also pointed to its safety reports, which show a decline in sexual assault incidents from 5,981 in 2017-2018 to 2,717 in 2021-2022, representing 0.0001% of total trips.
Background of the Case and Safety Concerns
The lawsuit stems from an incident where the plaintiff, celebrating her upcoming graduation from flight attendant training, was assaulted by her Uber driver en route to her hotel in Arizona. Critics argue that despite safety improvements, such as a 2021 database partnership with Lyft to track drivers ousted for crimes, more action is needed. The case underscores broader concerns about gig economy accountability and passenger protection in the ridesharing industry.
