A federal jury in North Carolina has found Uber liable for the actions of one of its drivers accused of assaulting a passenger during a trip.
The jury in Charlotte awarded the plaintiff $5,000 in damages after finding that the driver engaged in inappropriate conduct, including grabbing the passenger’s inner thigh and making suggestive remarks.
The case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits in the United States alleging sexual misconduct by rideshare drivers.
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred as the passenger was exiting the front seat of the vehicle, when the driver allegedly touched her and asked if he could “keep her” with him.
This marks the third “bellwether” trial in ongoing litigation involving Uber. In an earlier case in Arizona, a federal jury awarded $8.5 million in damages in a separate rape allegation, while another jury in California found the company not liable in a similar claim.
In its reaction, Uber said the relatively modest damages awarded in the North Carolina case and the jury’s finding of battery rather than sexual assault indicated grounds for appeal.
The company reiterated its long-standing position that it should not be held responsible for drivers’ actions, arguing that drivers operate as independent contractors and not employees.
However, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ruled that Uber qualifies as a “common carrier” under North Carolina law, meaning it has a duty to ensure passenger safety.
The judge noted that the company presents itself as a transportation provider and maintains a level of control over ride operations and safety standards.
He also stated that North Carolina law does not exempt rideshare companies from such liability, unlike in some other jurisdictions.
Lawyers representing the plaintiff said the case had been selected by Uber as a test case and argued that the outcome could influence other pending lawsuits.
During the trial, the jury heard testimonies from the plaintiff, the driver, and other witnesses. Uber said the driver denied the allegations and that the company became aware of the complaint only after the lawsuit was filed.
Further hearings in related cases are expected, with another bellwether trial scheduled to take place in San Francisco in the coming months.
