After a three week trial, a California jury determined that while Uber was indeed negligent in failing to put sufficient measures in place to protect the rider, that negligence was not a substantial factor in the harm the woman suffered at the hands of the driver.

The plaintiff, who remained anonymous, filed in suit in 2021, claiming she had been assaulted by an Uber driver in 2016. The woman claimed that in the course of the ride, the driver stopped on a side street, then restrained the woman and attempted to grope and kiss her. Her lawsuit alleged that Uber was aware that it had a problem with drivers assaulting passengers but had withheld that information from the public. Additionally, plaintiffs have argued that Uber was aware that assigning female drivers for female riders and dash cams would reduce assaults – but Uber had failed to take those steps. Uber in turn, argued that it should not be held responsible for the criminal conduct of drivers and that the background checks Uber performed pre-hire were sufficient.

The case was serving as a “bellwether” verdict for Uber and approximately 500 other claimants who have similar lawsuits pending against Uber and its drivers. In bellwether cases, the verdicts, while not entirely predictive, serve as guidelines for lawyers on both sides, on issues such as negligence and potential damages.

In closing argument the woman’s lawyers suggested to the jury that damages between $175,000 and $1.2 million for each year of her life would be appropriate compensatory damages.