For years, rideshare companies have marketed themselves as a reliable way to get home safely. For thousands of survivors, that promise was a dangerous illusion. Yesterday, a federal jury sent a clear message that accountability is no longer optional.
In a historic decision that will change the landscape of passenger safety, a federal jury in Phoenix has ordered Uber to pay 8.5 million dollars in compensatory damages to Jaylynn Dean. Dean is a survivor who was sexually assaulted by her Uber driver in 2023. As reported by The Guardian, this verdict marks a seismic shift in the fight for corporate accountability within the rideshare industry.
This case was the first federal bellwether trial among more than 3,000 consolidated lawsuits in the federal litigation regarding Uber passenger sexual assault. As a bellwether trial, this case was used to test legal theories and help determine the value of claims for thousands of other survivors who are currently seeking justice. The outcome proves that juries are ready to hold tech giants responsible for the actions of their drivers.
Alexandra Walsh: Leading the Fight for Survivors of Uber Sexual Assault
Anapol Weiss shareholder Alexandra Walsh served as the lead attorney for the plaintiff and delivered the closing arguments during the trial. As Co-Chair of the Trial Committee for the litigation, Walsh focused on the disconnect between Uber’s public safety campaigns and the reality of the risks their business model created for women.
During the trial, Walsh addressed how Uber intentionally positioned itself as a safe option for women who were traveling at night or had been drinking. Her words to the jury captured the core of the betrayal many survivors feel. According to The Guardian, Walsh stated:
“Women know it’s a dangerous world. We know about the risk of sexual assault. They made us believe that this was a place that was safe from that.”
Her argument highlighted that Uber cultivated a specific sense of trust to gain market share while failing to implement the basic safety measures necessary to protect that trust.
Establishing Corporate Liability
The significance of this $8.5 million dollar award cannot be overstated. The jury found that the driver was an agent of Uber, which holds the company legally responsible for his actions. For years, rideshare platforms have attempted to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. This verdict challenges that defense and establishes a powerful precedent for the thousands of cases still pending in federal and state courts.
While Uber has stated it plans to appeal the decision, the verdict stands as a validation for the thousands of survivors who have come forward at great personal risk. It signals that companies cannot prioritize profit and rapid growth over the fundamental safety of the people using their services.
A Path Forward for Justice
At Anapol Weiss, we are incredibly proud of Alexandra Walsh, Holly Dolejsi, William Smith, Kristen L. Varallo, Michael Sweet, Rebecca Barnholtz, Alejandra Garcia and the entire trial team for their dedication to Jaylynn Dean. This victory is a critical step toward systemic change. It proves that when corporations fail to protect their passengers, they will be held accountable in a court of law.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault or misconduct during a rideshare trip, you are not alone. Our team, led by national advocates like Alexandra Walsh, is committed to ensuring that your voice is heard and that you receive the justice you deserve. Call us today at 215-735-1130or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
To read the full coverage of this landmark verdict, you can find the original story at The Guardian.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office directly.
