One of my favorite professors sent an assignment to write a couple paragraphs about how a recent real-life verdict might affect a fictional client. This was a pleasure.

The Jaylynn Dean verdict against Uber and the associated Multi-District Litigation, In Re: Uber Technologies, Inc., Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation is certain to have a significant impact on our client. It is likely this opened a floodgate of actions to hold companies liable for negligent hiring of independent contractors who commit intentional torts while “working” for companies like our client.

Beyond the negligence claims, there is a possibility that record keeping and production of documents in litigation will become burdensome. Doe LS 340 v. Uber Techs., Inc., 710 F. Supp. 3d 794, 805 (N.D. Cal. 2024). Besides potential direct suits against our client, plaintiffs may seek discovery through Rule 45 non-party subpoenas. Lyft is already feeling the impact. See Order In Re: Uber Technologies, Inc., This Document Relates To: all cases, No. 23-MD-03084-CRB (LJC), 2026 WL 459188 (N.D. Cal. Feb. 18, 2026)(Resolving Joint Discovery Letter Regarding Subpoenas to Lyft).

 Happy to expand as needed, Laura