Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million in Passenger Assault Case

A federal jury in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, has ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a passenger who accused one of its drivers of sexual assault. The verdict, reported by Engadget, could set a significant precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits filed against the ride-hailing company.

The jury ruled that the accused driver was acting as a representative of Uber, making the company liable for his actions. This case, known as a “bellwether trial,” is intended to guide the potential outcomes and settlements of nearly 3,000 similar cases.

The plaintiff, Jelene Dean, alleged that the assault occurred during an Uber ride in 2023. Uber had argued that its drivers are independent contractors and that the company should not be held responsible for their personal actions. The jury, however, rejected this argument.

While the verdict did not find direct flaws in Uber’s safety measures, it held the company accountable for the driver’s behavior. An Uber spokesperson confirmed that the company plans to appeal the decision.

In addition to the federal courts, Uber is facing hundreds of similar lawsuits in California state courts. The ruling has reignited discussions on the responsibilities of multinational tech companies and passenger safety protocols.

DBTech/BMT/OR