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Uber has been locking horns with California regulators for close to a year, refusing to provide additional details about Uber sexual assault reports published in its “safety transparency” report at the end of last year.
On Dec. 5, 2019, the popular ride-hailing app released an 84-page document that included nearly 6,000 reports of sexual assault, of which 464 were for rape. Uber’s safety report covered a two-year period and, according to CNN, marked the first time the company disclosed assault data.
The report came in response to legislators and advocates critical of Uber’s safety practices, although publishing the information did not bring an end to it. Instead, legislators began asking more questions and demanding more details. Uber has reportedly been tried to avoid further scrutiny of its safety data.
On Dec. 19, Administrative Law Judge Robert M. Mason III ruled that Uber must provide more information to the California Public Utilities Commission. The information Uber was to give the commission included the names and job titles of the Uber employees, contractors and consultants responsible for drafting the safety report, along with descriptions of each of the sexual misconduct claims cited in the safety report that occurred in California, including names and contact information of witnesses and employees who received the Uber sexual assault reports. According to the filing, the company received 1,243 Uber sexual assault reports in California alone, accounting for some 21% of the complaints nationwide
Uber quickly filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing that disclosure of victims’ information could be traumatizing, or even put them in danger, and questioned the purpose behind releasing additional information.
In late January, Judge Mason denied Uber’s motion but ruled that certain identifying information could be filed under seal to offer protection to victims and witnesses.
Uber filed another motion, asking the judge to stay some portions of the December ruling that would require the company to submit to questioning. Uber also asked that Judge Mason be removed from the case.
“The CPUC is asking Uber to turn over the names and contact information of victims of sexual assault, without their consent,” Uber spokesperson Jodi Kawada Page said in an Aug. 31 statement. “This unprecedented request, whether provided publicly or under seal, violates the privacy rights of survivors who should maintain control of their stories. We were the first in the industry to proactively release safety data and should not be singled out for being transparent and siding with survivors.”
Uber may face significant penalties for its refusal to cooperate with the California Public Utilities Commission’s inquiry since the commission has the authority to investigate these complaints. The commission could impose up to a $100,000 penalty per offense, plus fines of up to $5,000 per offense, and even suspend or revoke Uber’s operating permit. The fines could compound for each day Uber refused to submit the requested information.
Filing an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
A growing number of people are filing litigation against Uber and other ride-hailing services for failing to prevent sexual assault by its drivers. Some of the lawsuits allege that Uber also failed to adequately respond to sexual assault reports. Other lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence and consumer protection violations.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault while using Uber or another ride-hailing app, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by sexual assault, but it may help to alleviate any financial burden associated with medical expenses as well as hold the person and the company accountable.
Filing a sexual assault lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.
Join a Free Lyft, Uber Driver Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation
If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver in the last two years, you may qualify to join this rideshare driver sexual assault lawsuit investigation.
See if you qualify by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by experienced sexual assault attorneys.
This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.
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