Uber Settles Sexual Assault Case Tied to Background Check Failures
Uber Technologies, Inc. has settled a lawsuit alleging significant failures in its background check process that led to a passenger's alleged sexual assault. The settlement was reached less than 48 hours before jury selection was to begin.
Uber Technologies, Inc. has settled a case alleging serious deficiencies in its background check procedures, which proponents claim led to a passenger's sexual assault. The settlement occurred in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, just under 48 hours prior to jury selection commencing.
The case, "Jane Doe QLF 001 v. Uber Technologies, Inc.," was slated to be the third federal bellwether trial in the ongoing MDL concerning Uber passenger sexual assault litigation. Prior to opening statements, Uber stipulated that it would not contest that the assault occurred.
The plaintiff alleged that Uber's background check failures allowed a dangerous driver onto its platform, resulting in her sexual assault during a 2020 ride. The driver, Victor Huynh Le, was convicted of sexual assault in 2022 and received an 11-year prison sentence. The settlement terms are confidential.
This settlement addresses one of thousands of ongoing lawsuits against the company for alleged inadequate background checks and their consequences. Uber has made changes to its safety practices as a result of the multi-district litigation.