A recent safety report from the rideshare company Uber has revealed that an alarming number of serious sexual assaults occurred between 2017 to 2018, which in total near 6,000. Uber has long struggled with allegations of assault, and at least 31 drivers have been convicted for various crimes, ranging from forcible touching and false imprisonment to rape.
If you have already been a victim of sexual assault in an Uber, speak to an Uber sexual assault attorney at Torgenson Law who has experience with these types of cases and can help you discover your legal options. Schedule a free confidential consultation online or give us a call at (602) 726-0747.
The sexual assault allegations in Uber’s safety report fall under one of the following five categories:
Over the two-year time period, there were 5,981 incidents, impacting both passengers and drivers. However, according to the Justice Department, three out of four sex assault incidents in the U.S. are not reported to the police. That means that the number of sexual assault crimes by Uber drivers are likely under-reported.
A 2019 investigation by CNN found that more than a hundred cases had been filed against Uber drivers. Additional statistics discovered from surveying women include:
Companies are generally responsible for damages caused by a negligent act of an employee if it is done within the scope of their employment. Since sexual assault is clearly outside the scope of employment, Uber may not be liable when a driver sexually assaults a passenger. However, if a plaintiff (victim) can establish one of the following, they may have the ability to hold Uber accountable:
Negligent Hiring – Employers have a legal responsibility to screen potential employees, including background and personality checks. If the driver was negligently hired, for example, by either ignoring the results or failing to conduct these inquiries, then Uber may be liable for damages.
Negligent Supervision – Employers are required to supervise their employees, and doing so properly, means addressing the issues that arise. When a conflict with or a complaint about an employee goes unanswered, it may be considered negligent supervision. Uber may then be responsible for an employee sexually assaulting a passenger.
If found liable, a lawsuit against Uber can result in compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress, and possibly punitive damages. Punitive damages are an additional monetary award that is meant to punish the defendant and dissuade him and others from behaving in a similar manner in the future.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault by an Uber driver, you will need the assistance of an Uber sexual assault attorney with extensive knowledge in personal injury law. We have represented injured clients for more than two decades and will fight for the justice you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today, online or by calling (602) 726-0747.