Uber Faces Phoenix Trial Over Alleged Sexual Assault, First Major Test Case Among Thousands of Claims

Uber is set to face trial this week in Phoenix, Arizona, in a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma resident Jaylynn Dean, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a driver booked through the ride-hailing app. The case is being closely watched as the first major courtroom test of Uber’s attempts to limit liability for alleged assaults committed by drivers using its platform, at a time when the company continues to face scrutiny over rider safety.

Dean sued Uber in 2023, alleging the company was aware of a pattern of sexual assaults involving drivers but failed to take adequate safety measures. Her lawsuit, considered a “bellwether” test case, could influence settlement discussions for more than 3,000 similar lawsuits consolidated in U.S. federal court, in addition to over 500 cases pending in California state court. Legal experts say the outcome could significantly impact Uber’s financial exposure and its standing with regulators and investors monitoring the company’s safety record.

Uber has argued it should not be held responsible for criminal acts committed by drivers, stating that its background checks and disclosures are sufficient, and emphasizing that drivers are independent contractors. In a statement ahead of the trial, Uber said it takes reports of sexual assault seriously and continues investing in safety tools such as ride verification, audio/video recording, anomaly detection, and partnerships with survivor advocacy groups. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, overseeing the broader litigation and presiding over Dean’s trial, recently denied Uber’s bid to delay proceedings, allowing the case to move forward.

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