Thousands of women have been sexually assaulted while using Uber ride-hailing services. Today, these women have joined together to seek justice. They hope to hold Uber accountable for what happened and claim financial compensation.
You may have heard of these types of lawsuits referred to as a class action. Legally, that’s not the case. Instead, these claims are a part of Multi-District Litigation (MDL).
Let’s talk about the differences between the Uber MDL and class action lawsuits.
Uber Multi-District Litigation – It’s Not a Class Action
Multi-district litigation is not a class action. In multi-district litigation, each Plaintiff (injured party) retains its autonomy. Each case is decided on its own merits, with liability and damages that are appropriate under the law.
However, the MDL cases are consolidated for preliminary matters before a single judge. The consolidation allows lawyers to work together on discovery and other preliminary matters. A single Judge keeps the cases on track while ruling on pre-trial matters such as the exchange of information, expert challenges, and other legal rulings. Once preliminary matters are completed, the judge may send cases to their respective jurisdictions for trial or there may be bellwether trials.
Multi-district litigation allows victims to pursue their claims efficiently while still maintaining autonomy. In cases of sexual assault, the suffering of each victim is highly unique to their individual situation. To truly receive justice, they must have their claim decided individually, with the plaintiff controlling the litigation process.
MDL – In re: Uber Technologies, Inc., Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation (3:23-md-03084).
In re: Uber Technologies, Inc., Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation (3:23-md-03084) concerns claims filed by Riders against Uber Technologies, Inc. alleging an Uber Driver committed sexual misconduct or sexual assault of an Uber Rider. In October 2023, the cases were transferred and consolidated for preliminary proceedings under the Honorable Charles R. Breyer in the Northern District of California – San Francisco.
Since consolidation, the court has issued various case management orders and ruled on court motions. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros in the Northern District of California rules over discovery issues that arise between the parties.. The court issued a discovery schedule and the parties entered various stipulations relating to sealing of court documents and time extensions.
Discovery seeks information and records that may be important to deciding the cases, including Uber’s safety efforts and Uber’s failures to ensure riders enjoy a safe trip on the Uber platform. The information gained through discovery can then be applied in each individual case to determine if Uber is legally responsible for failing to protect sexual assault victims.
How do I join Uber multi-district litigation?
Joining Uber multi-district litigation isn’t as easy as filling out a class action form online. You must file a claim as a plaintiff. To start a case, you may contact attorney Bret Stanley. He is representing victims in sexual assault claims involving Uber including in the pending multi-district litigation. He will evaluate your case and determine how to proceed. For a consultation regarding your situation, please contact Bret Stanley.
Attorney Representing Clients in Uber Multi-District Litigation
Bret Stanley is a lead attorney in Uber multi-district litigation. He was elected as a member of leadership in the MDL and represents multiple clients who are a part of the litigation.
Uber Class Action Lawsuits
While class action claims have been filed against Uber, they haven’t been related to car accident compensation or sexual assault. Instead, class action claims that have been filed in the United States against Uber relate to things like problems with the Uber Driver App and fees charged to consumers.
2024 Class action lawsuit – independent fare setting
In March, 2024, Uber drivers dropped a would-be class-action lawsuit. The claim was that the rideshare company prevented independent drivers from setting their own fares. The court declined to authorize a class in the matter.
Gill v. Uber Technologies and Lyft, San Francisco Supreme Court, No. CGC-22-600284.
Class action for Uber safe ride fee
For a time, Uber charged a “safe ride” fee as a surcharge for its ride-hailing service. The company told riders that the fee was for background checks and other safety measures. A class action settlement regarding the fee became effective March 1, 2023.
Even though the settlement fund is 32.5 million dollars, class members stand to recover little more than a single dollar for their troubles. The average recovery available was just $1.07 as a cash award.
McKnight v. Uber, Case No. 3:14-cv-05615-JST.
Exaggerated earnings claims
The Federal Trade Commission alleged that Uber exaggerated driver earnings to attract drivers. Uber claimed that an uberX driver had an annual median income of approximately $90,000 in New York and $74,000 in San Francisco. The FTC says that the actual statistics were significantly lower.
In addition, the FTC allegations included claims regarding financing offers that were incorrect, with drivers receiving worse rates than others with similar credit scores and leases with unexpected mileage limits. Uber paid $20 million to resolve the claims, designating the payment for refunds to affected drivers.
These lawsuits amount to significant litigation including class action and proposed class action claims. If you’re in an accident, it isn’t as simple as joining a class action claim and waiting for your compensation. Bringing your own claim allows you to receive the compensation that you deserve.
Lawyer for Uber Lawsuits
Bret Stanley is a leader in Uber sexual assault and accident claims. He can pursue your individual interests and the compensation that you deserve. Whether your claim is simple or complex, you deserve justice.
Attorney Bret Stanley can investigate the circumstances of your case and how to best pursue your compensation. You can discuss the differences between Uber MDL and class action lawsuits and get answers to your questions. Contact us now for a case evaluation.
