Jury Finds Uber Liable for 2019 Driver Sexual Assault in Second Consecutive Trial Defeat
A US jury has found Uber liable for a sexual assault committed by one of its drivers in 2019, marking the company's second consecutive defeat in a series of trials linked to over 3,000 pending lawsuits alleging assaults by Uber drivers. The verdicts signal mounting legal risk for the rideshare giant as courts weigh how much responsibility platforms bear for the actions of drivers classified as independent contractors.
Details of the Case
The case involves a passenger who alleged she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver during a ride in 2019. The plaintiff's legal team argued that Uber failed to adequately screen the driver and that the company's background check processes were insufficient to protect riders. The jury found Uber liable and awarded damages, though the specific amount was not immediately disclosed pending post-trial proceedings.
Pattern of Liability
This verdict follows a prior trial defeat for Uber in an earlier case from the same group of 3,000+ lawsuits — a pattern that plaintiffs' attorneys say demonstrates systemic failures in Uber's driver vetting and safety protocols. Uber has argued that because drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, the company cannot be held directly responsible for their conduct. Courts have thus far rejected this defense in the two completed trials.
The Scale of Uber's Legal Exposure
With over 3,000 similar cases pending, the trial outcomes carry enormous financial implications. If courts continue to hold Uber liable, the aggregate damages across the full litigation pool could reach billions of dollars. Uber has reportedly been attempting to settle many of these cases out of court, but the trial verdicts complicate its negotiating position.
Uber's Response and Safety Measures
Uber has emphasized investments in safety features including in-app emergency buttons, GPS tracking, and driver background checks. The company argues it has taken significant steps since 2019 to improve rider safety and that it disagrees with the jury's findings. Uber is expected to appeal the verdict.
The Bottom Line
Two consecutive jury verdicts against Uber underscore the legal and reputational risk that rideshare platforms face over driver conduct. As 3,000+ cases work through the courts, Uber's independent contractor defense appears increasingly fragile, and the financial exposure from this litigation could significantly impact the company's bottom line.