Woman Files Federal Lawsuit Against Uber in US Court Claiming Kidnapping & Sexual Assault in Colombia by Uber Driver

A federal lawsuit has been filed by the law firm Napoli Shkolnik against Uber and its subsidiaries, alleging that the ride-hailing and technology company failed to implement adequate safety measures and properly screen its drivers. The complaint, filed on behalf of an anonymous New York woman, details an incident in which she was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Colombia.

The lawsuit, case number 1:25-cv-05257, claims that the plaintiff was in Colombia attending an event and booked an Uber ride to return to her hotel. According to the filing, after confirming she was in the correct vehicle, the driver began traveling in the incorrect direction. Despite her pleas, the driver allegedly took her to an isolated area where she was forcefully restrained and assaulted.

The complaint alleges that Uber (NYSE: UBER) was negligent in its driver screening process, disregarded prior passenger complaints, and neglected to implement fundamental safety protocols, particularly in international locations where the risks for users may be higher. The lawsuit accuses the company of prioritizing profits over passenger safety.

The case shares similarities with a broader, consolidated legal action against Uber, a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3084) currently underway in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Presided over by Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer, this MDL, formally known as In re: Uber Technologies, Inc., Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation, consolidates numerous lawsuits from former Uber passengers who allege they were sexually assaulted or harassed by their drivers. The cases assert claims of negligence, breach of contract, and product liability, arguing that Uber failed to implement appropriate safety precautions.

The MDL No. 3084 webpage on the US courts website provides a detailed procedural history of the case, documenting various pretrial orders and motions. Key procedural developments have included the appointment of a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, the establishment of discovery schedules, and court orders addressing motions from both sides, including those related to the company’s terms of service and protective orders. The court’s documents provide a detailed account of the ongoing litigation.

Joseph L. Ciaccio, an attorney for the plaintiff, underscored the need for accountability. “When a passenger enters an Uber, they are required to trust that the driver is someone that Uber has done their due diligence on to ensure their safety,” he stated. “For a young woman, traveling overseas, being kidnapped against her will and sexually assaulted is the worst violation of that trust imaginable.”

Finance Colombia reached out to Uber for comment on the lawsuit, and Uber indicated that it had no comment.

Uber Taxi app. Photo credit: Stroganova from Pixabay.