What Damages Can You Recover in a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
- If you were sexually assaulted in a rideshare, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, which are your economic and non-economic losses caused by the incident.
- Economic damages are the financial losses you incur as a result of the rideshare sexual assault.
- Non-economic damages are the immeasurable or intangible ways you suffer after being sexually abused in a rideshare.
- Several factors can affect the value of your damages, including the severity of your injuries and the impact the incident has had on your life.
- A trusted lawyer can help rideshare sexual assault victims fight for the full value of damages they’re entitled to under the law.
When you ride in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare, you expect to feel safe with your driver. Unfortunately, too many rideshare users have been sexually assaulted or abused during or after their rides. If you or someone you know suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a rideshare driver, you deserve justice for what you were forced to endure. You may qualify to file a civil lawsuit to demand compensation.
While a criminal case is meant to punish the wrongdoer for their actions, a civil suit compensates the victim for the hardships they’ve faced as a result of the assault. At Cutter Law, our supportive team can help victims seek damages and navigate the complex claims process. Contact us for a free consultation and learn what damages you can recover in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit.
What Are “Damages” in a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
In a sexual assault lawsuit, damages refer to the monetary compensation a victim may recover through a settlement or court judgment. Compensatory damages, including economic and non-economic damages, aim to make the plaintiff whole with financial relief that represents the severity of their losses caused by the sexual predator.
When filing a civil claim, it’s important to consider the full scope of how your life has been affected by the incident. You may be entitled to extensive Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuit damages that include current and future losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable or quantifiable losses the victim sustains as a result of the rideshare sexual abuse. Although every case is different, here are common types of economic damages in these claims:
- Medical bills: Hospital expenses, injury treatments, professional counseling
- Cost of future medical care: Ongoing treatments, trauma therapy, and other forms of counseling
- Cost of medication: Medical prescriptions for pain, anxiety, and other conditions caused by the incident
- Lost wages: Loss of income during treatment and loss of future earnings
- Cost of specialized services: Support animals, alternative therapies, and other necessary services
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the subjective or intangible ways in which the victim has suffered. In civil actions involving sexual assault, these types of damages can be significant and long-term. Examples of non-economic rideshare sexual assault compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the incident
- Mental anguish: Severe distress, depression, anxiety, and trauma from the assault
- Other mental health conditions: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or social interactions
- Reduced quality of life: Loss of a sense of safety that affects every aspect of daily life
Video Transcript
In a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit, the damages are primarily for emotional distress and for the pain and suffering that a person experiences from an incident like that—both in the moment and in living through the aftermath.
Many people come to us with PTSD, serious depression, and anxiety, and those are all things for which, in our justice system, you can receive compensation.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, a judge may order punitive damages as a way to punish the wrongdoer for malicious or oppressive acts. This could mean the person acted with a conscious disregard for the rights or safety of others. Rather than compensating the victims, punitive or exemplary damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter them from repeating the same behavior.
If you have questions about the ongoing Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation (MDL) or what damages are recoverable in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit, our experienced lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation to see if you have a case and what your claim may be worth.
Factors That Affect the Value of Damages
Several factors can impact the value of Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuit damages and how much you can recover for your claim, including:
Severity of Your Injuries
While every case of rideshare sexual abuse is serious, those who suffer severe injuries typically need costly or more extensive treatments that can add up quickly. For example, you may have to stay in the hospital overnight or for multiple nights, undergo a surgical procedure, or receive physical therapy after a rideshare sexual assault.
Also, the severity of your injuries often coincides with the pain and suffering you experience. Chronic or extreme pain, emotional suffering, and long-term discomfort can be factored into your claim, helping you receive compensation for these non-financial losses that are caused by your injuries.
Length of Your Recovery
The duration of your recovery can have a significant impact on the value of your damages. The longer it takes for you to recover, the more lost wages you can claim from missed work. In some cases, you may also need ongoing medical care or have permanent effects that impact your ability to perform job duties. If this happens, you may be eligible to receive compensation for missed career opportunities or loss of future earnings.
Long recoveries can also take time away from your family or loved ones. You may miss important life events or be unable to participate in activities the way you did before the abuse occurred. These factors can affect the total amount you receive.
Quality of Evidence
Having strong evidence puts you in a favorable position to recover the maximum amount available for your losses. It gives your Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawyer leverage when negotiating a settlement on your behalf. Examples of evidence that can support your claim include:
- Video or audio recording of the incident
- Medical records that show the extent of your injuries
- Damaged clothing or items worn during the assault
- Witness statements and expert witness testimony
- The driver’s criminal or sexual assault record
- The rideshare company’s internal records
Who May Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
If a party’s negligence led to your rideshare sexual assault, they may be legally and financially responsible for your damages. Examples of who can be liable for a rideshare sexual assault include:
- The rideshare company: The rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft, may be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or safety compliance.
- The individual driver: While the driver is responsible for their misconduct, the rideshare company may be liable for the driver’s negligent actions under the “vicarious liability” legal doctrine.
- The platform designer: In rare cases, the rideshare app designer may share fault for failing to create or maintain working safety features that could have protected the victim.
- Other third parties: Other possible liable parties may include other drivers or individuals whose negligent decisions created the unsafe conditions that led to the sexual assault.
How Cutter Law P.C. Helps Clients Pursue Full Compensation
If you were sexually assaulted in a rideshare, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our compassionate Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers can provide supportive guidance and fierce legal advocacy while we stand by your side every step of the way.
Family-owned, California-based, and client-focused. When you hire Cutter Law, you get our whole law firm working together to ensure you feel heard and protected throughout the process. Call (888) 285-3333 or contact us online today for a free and confidential consultation.
The Uber sexual assault litigation progresses with the first bellwether trial completed, and more trials scheduled as cases are moved to local courts for survivors to seek justice.
In California, Uber and Lyft drivers must meet licensing, vehicle, and insurance requirements, while Prop 22 classifies them as independent contractors, and victims can seek compensation for accidents or assaults.
Yes, you can sue for emotional distress in California, and compensation may include both economic and non-economic damages depending on the severity of your distress.