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California City Today
By the People, for the People
Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5M in Landmark Sexual Assault Case
Jury finds Uber liable for driver's actions under 'apparent authority' theory despite contractor status.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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A US federal jury has ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million in compensatory damages to a passenger who alleged she was sexually assaulted by her driver, marking the first plaintiff victory in a multidistrict litigation including thousands of similar claims against the rideshare company. The verdict hinged on the legal theory of 'apparent authority,' holding Uber responsible for the driver's actions despite his independent contractor status.
Why it matters
This landmark case signals significant exposure for Uber as the other trials in the multidistrict litigation proceed and likely carries substantial influence in settlement negotiations for the thousands of remaining sexual assault claims against the company. It also comes amidst a wave of recent litigation challenging Uber's classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
The details
The plaintiff's initial complaint alleged 10 causes of action against Uber, including negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and strict product liability. At trial, her attorneys requested $24 million in compensatory damages and $120 million in punitive damages, arguing Uber's substandard safety protocols warranted substantial punishment. While the jury awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages based on the 'apparent authority' theory, they rejected the plaintiff's other claims and declined to award punitive damages. Trial evidence revealed that Uber's internal Safety Risk algorithm indicated an elevated risk for the trip, yet the company dispatched the ride without warning.
- The jury reached its verdict on Thursday, February 7, 2026.
- In October 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred over 3,000 individual federal lawsuits against Uber to the Northern District of California.
The players
Uber
A major rideshare company that has faced a wave of litigation over its classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
Charles Breyer
The senior US District Judge presiding over the Uber passenger sexual assault multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California.
What’s next
The verdict in this bellwether case is expected to significantly influence settlement negotiations for the thousands of remaining sexual assault claims against Uber in the multidistrict litigation.
The takeaway
This landmark ruling underscores the legal risks Uber faces as it continues to grapple with the classification of its drivers and the company's responsibility for their actions, even when they are designated as independent contractors.
