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Uber Found Liable in 2023 Sexual Assault Case, Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million
A federal jury in Phoenix, Arizona, found Uber liable for a sexual assault by a driver in November 2023, awarding plaintiff Jaylynn Dean $8.5 million in compensatory damages on February 5, 2026. This is the first jury verdict holding Uber responsible for failing to prevent a passenger assault, amid nearly 3,000 similar lawsuits.
Why It Matters
The verdict sets a precedent for Uber's liability in sexual assault cases involving drivers, potentially influencing settlements for thousands of pending lawsuits and highlighting rideshare safety issues.
Timeline
7 Events
Uber Statement and Appeal Plans
February 5, 2026
Uber stated the verdict affirmed its responsible actions on safety, noted the award was below requested amounts, and vowed to appeal the agency finding.
Jury Verdict in Phoenix Trial
February 5, 2026
A nine-person federal jury found Uber liable under apparent agency theory, awarding $8.5 million in compensatory damages to Dean but rejecting negligence, design defect, and punitive damages claims.
Settlement Master Appointed
June 2, 2025
The Honorable Gail Andler was appointed as Settlement Master in the Uber sexual assault litigation to facilitate potential resolutions.
Uber Prevails in California Trial
October 2025
Uber won a similar sexual assault case in California state court, where the jury found negligence but not legal responsibility.
First Bellwether Trial Opens
September 10, 2025
A first bellwether trial against Uber opened in San Francisco Superior Court over sexual assault claims.
Lawsuit Filed
December 2023
Dean filed a lawsuit against Uber, claiming the company failed to protect passengers despite knowing about risks of assaults by drivers.
Sexual Assault Incident
November 2023
Jaylynn Dean, a 19-year-old woman, alleged she was raped by her Uber driver in Arizona while heading to her hotel after celebrating her graduation from flight attendant training.