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Uber Technologies Inc. has reached a confidential settlement with a teenage girl who alleged that the company’s negligence contributed to her 2021 sexual assault. The case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in March 2023 and resolved just before a scheduled trial, MyNewsLA.com reported yesterday.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff—referred to as J.W.—was only 13 years old when she was picked up by an Uber driver from her home in Ventura around 1:30 a.m. The driver dropped her off in the Harvard Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, where she was assaulted by an adult male.
The girl’s attorneys argued that Uber had a legal duty to protect minors and should have foreseen the danger of leaving her in an unsafe area in the middle of the night. They emphasized that Uber, as a common carrier, has a heightened obligation to ensure the safety of its passengers, especially minors.
Uber denied liability, stating that while the man who assaulted the plaintiff “should be held to account,” the company was not responsible for what happened after the ride ended. Still, on April 4, 2025, attorneys for the plaintiff notified the court that a settlement had been reached, leading the judge to cancel the upcoming trial.
This case is just one of many raising questions about Uber’s safety practices. As of early 2025, more than 1,900 lawsuits have been consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of California. These lawsuits accuse Uber of failing to properly screen drivers, implement basic safety features, and take action against repeat complaints. Plaintiffs are seeking justice not just for individual assaults, but for what they allege is a pattern of corporate negligence and disregard for rider safety.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a rideshare incident, you may still have legal options. Learn more about your rights on our comprehensive Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit page.
