Chicago Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer

Financial Compensation for Victims of Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault

Working with a Chicago rideshare sexual assault lawyer gives survivors the opportunity to pursue the compensation they deserve after being harmed by an Uber or Lyft driver. 

Many of these assaults occur during routine trips, including late-night rides from Chicago neighborhoods or pick-ups at O’Hare and Midway airports. Survivors often face mounting medical bills, time away from work, and the emotional toll of such traumatic incidents.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to guiding survivors through the legal process in Cook County courts and holding all responsible parties accountable. We understand how overwhelming it can feel to take legal action against powerful corporations like Uber Technologies, but our experienced lawyers have the resources to build a strong case. 

By pursuing financial compensation, survivors can access medical care, address lost income, and seek justice that helps prevent future harm for other riders.

Sexual Assault Settlements and Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,900,000 Settlement — A Chicago college student was sexually assaulted after an Uber driver stalked her following a ride from O’Hare Airport. Evidence showed the driver had prior passenger complaints that were ignored by the company. We pursued the case in Cook County court, presenting evidence of long-term emotional distress, therapy needs, and lost wages from missed work and classes. The $1.9 million settlement provided financial support for ongoing medical care and future stability.

$2,000,000 Settlement — A 28-year-old woman was assaulted inside her Chicago apartment after a Lyft driver followed her home from a late-night ride near Wrigleyville. The case focused on the company’s failure to properly screen the driver, who had a troubling history. We demonstrated the survivor’s lasting emotional trauma and need for lifelong mental health support. The $2 million recovery reflected the seriousness of her losses, including career disruption and future counseling costs.

Confidential Seven-Figure Settlement — A young professional in downtown Chicago was sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver with a documented pattern of sexual misconduct. Despite multiple prior reports, Uber Technologies allowed the driver to remain on the platform. We highlighted this negligence and the preventable nature of the assault. The confidential seven-figure settlement took into account emotional trauma, therapy needs, and the lasting impact of the assault, while holding the company accountable for endangering riders.

What Makes Us the Best Lyft and Uber Sexual Assault Attorneys in Chicago

Survivors deserve the best legal representation when taking on powerful corporations like Uber Technologies and Lyft. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has built a reputation as a top-rated Chicago sexual assault attorney team by consistently securing significant recoveries for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. We have recovered more than $450 million for clients, have a 10/10 Avvo rating, and we are recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

As one of the top Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyer firms, we combine resources, experience, and a trauma-informed approach to protect survivors through every stage of the legal process. We understand the sensitive nature of rideshare sexual assault cases and fight to hold drivers and companies accountable in Cook County courts. 

What Are the Most Common Forms of Rideshare Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse involving Uber, Lyft, Arro, Curb, and Via. 

Our Chicago rideshare sexual assault attorney team understands the deep trauma caused by these cases and works with survivors to hold both drivers and companies accountable. We have seen patterns of misconduct in Cook County cases, whether the rides began at O’Hare or Midway airports or in city neighborhoods late at night.

One of the most common reports involves unwanted touching and groping during rides. Survivors describe drivers inappropriately touching sexual body parts or non sexual body areas without consent, creating lasting fear and trauma. 

In more severe cases, drivers have coerced or forced passengers into sexual acts, including non-consensual sexual penetration, which can lead to both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Verbal harassment also occurs, with some survivors reporting that drivers made sexual comments, threats, or advances that escalated during the trip.

Another concerning pattern involves drivers refusing to end a ride, locking doors, or taking passengers to isolated areas where assaults occur. These situations leave survivors vulnerable and trapped with the driver. Drug or alcohol-related assaults are also reported, particularly when passengers are intoxicated after a night out. Sexual predators posing as Uber drivers may exploit a survivor’s impaired condition, knowing that they cannot effectively resist or remember details of the assault.

Each of these sexual assault incidents brings profound consequences, from emotional trauma to financial burdens caused by medical care, therapy, and time away from work. Our experienced law firm handles these rideshare sexual assault cases with care, pursuing compensation for survivors and working to prevent future harm by holding negligent parties accountable in Chicago courts.

What Are the Consequences of Rideshare Sexual Assault?

Survivors of rideshare sexual assault often face lasting consequences that go far beyond the initial incident. Many develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression that requires long-term therapy and support. Everyday activities, such as traveling through Chicago neighborhoods or scheduling an Uber or Lyft ride to O’Hare or Midway, can trigger overwhelming fear and distress.

Some survivors suffer physical injuries during assaults, compounding the emotional pain with ongoing medical needs. Others withdraw socially, struggling to trust friends, family, or new acquaintances. The combination of isolation and emotional turmoil can impact education, careers, and personal relationships.

The long-term trauma from such experiences affects every aspect of life. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works closely with survivors, helping them seek compensation for therapy, medical care, lost wages, and the pain of living with these injuries. Our goal is to provide survivors with the resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.

What Damages Can Survivors of Rideshare Sexual Assault Recover in Chicago?

Survivors of rideshare sexual assault often face both immediate and long-term consequences that carry significant financial and emotional costs. A Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyer can pursue a civil claim that helps cover these losses and provides a path toward rebuilding stability. One of the most common forms of compensation involves medical expenses, including emergency treatment, follow-up care, and the costs of ongoing therapy or counseling.

Lost income is another major factor. Many survivors struggle to return to work after such traumatic incidents, while others face diminished earning potential if the emotional or physical injuries interfere with their careers. Beyond financial harm, survivors may recover damages for pain and suffering as well as the emotional distress caused by PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the loss of trust in others.

In particularly egregious cases, where companies like Uber Technologies or Lyft ignored red flags about dangerous drivers, courts in Cook County may award punitive damages to punish negligence and deter future harm.

What Is the Average Rideshare Sexual Assault Payout in Chicago?

There is no fixed “average” payout for a rideshare sexual assault case in Chicago because every situation is unique. Factors such as the severity of the assault, the availability of evidence, the survivor’s age and vulnerability, and the long-term emotional and financial consequences all play a role in determining value. Courts in Cook County also look at whether Uber Technologies, Lyft, or another rideshare company failed to act on prior complaints about a dangerous driver.

Settlement ranges are often grouped into tiers. Tier 1 cases, involving forcible rape with strong evidence, severe trauma, or a minor or vulnerable survivor, may result in settlements between $1.5 million and $3 million. Tier 2 cases, which include non-consensual sexual assault supported by corroborating evidence and long-term psychological harm, often fall between $800,000 and $1.5 million. Tier 3 cases, where survivors experience unwanted sexual contact or attempted assault requiring therapy, typically resolve between $500,000 and $800,000. Tier 4 cases, such as incidents of sexual harassment or groping with minimal evidence or delayed reporting, generally settle between $300,000 and $500,000. Tier 5 cases, involving limited evidence, unclear liability, and no physical contact, usually fall in the $150,000 to $300,000 range.

These tiers illustrate how compensation reflects both the seriousness of the misconduct and the strength of the case. A Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and fight for the maximum recovery available under Illinois laws.

Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Uber has faced thousands of allegations of sexual assault committed by its drivers, leading to an ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court. The Uber sexual assault MDL consolidates cases from across the United States, including survivors from Chicago, who claim that Uber Technologies failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect riders. 

These lawsuits allege that the company prioritized rapid expansion and profits over passenger safety, allowing sexual predators to remain on the platform despite prior complaints.

The MDL provides a more efficient way for survivors to pursue legal action by streamlining discovery, motions, and evidence gathering. Each case is still considered individually, but grouping them together in one federal court allows for consistent rulings and puts additional pressure on Uber to address the widespread problem. 

Survivors bringing an Uber sexual assault claim within the MDL often describe non-consensual sexual penetration, non-consensual touching, sexual harassment, and other forms of misconduct committed by an Uber driver during or after rides.

For survivors in Chicago, participating in the Uber sexual assault lawsuit may provide an opportunity to pursue compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress. It also allows survivors to help hold Uber accountable on a national scale, not just in Cook County courts. 

While the litigation is ongoing, these cases shine a light on systemic failures, from poor background checks to a lack of safety features that could have prevented such traumatic incidents.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers actively monitors developments in the Uber sexual assault MDL and represents Chicago survivors in both federal and state actions. Our experienced sexual assault lawyers fight to ensure survivors are heard, supported, and given every legal option to pursue justice.

Who Can Join the Uber Sexual Assault MDL?

The Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation (MDL) is open to survivors across the United States, including those in Chicago, who were sexually assaulted, harassed, or abused by an Uber driver. 

To qualify, the incident must involve misconduct during or immediately after an Uber ride, such as non-consensual sexual penetration, non-consensual touching, groping, or sexual harassment. Survivors who suffered long-term consequences—such as PTSD, depression, or lost wages—may also be eligible to bring claims within the MDL.

More than 2,500 plaintiffs from over 29 states have already joined the litigation, and the number is expected to continue to grow as additional survivors come forward. While the MDL is managed in federal court, each survivor’s case remains individual, allowing for compensation that reflects personal injuries and losses. 

A Chicago Uber sexual assault attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can review your case and determine whether joining the MDL is the best legal option.

Why You Need a Chicago Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer

Pursuing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit is never simple. Survivors are up against one of the most powerful corporations in the world, supported by extensive legal defense teams whose goal is to limit liability and minimize payouts. Without experienced representation, survivors can feel overwhelmed by the legal system and the aggressive tactics often used by Uber Technologies.

A Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyer understands the unique challenges these cases present. Proving negligence may require showing that Uber failed to properly screen its drivers, ignored red flags in background checks, or failed to act after serious passenger complaints. These are not issues an individual survivor should have to face alone.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the resources and experience to take on Uber in Cook County courts and in federal litigation. We build strong cases by gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and highlighting corporate negligence, all while supporting survivors through such traumatic incidents with compassion and respect.

How Common Are Uber Sexual Assault Cases?

The most recent Uber safety report disclosed 3,824 reports of the five most severe categories of sexual assault in 2019 and 2020. These ranged from non-consensual kissing of a non sexual body part to non-consensual sexual penetration. Despite a sharp decline in ridership during the pandemic, Uber still recorded 141 rapes in 2020 and 247 in 2019. 91 percent of rape victims were riders, with women making up 81 percent of survivors. Uber also reported that in 43 percent of cases, riders—not drivers—were accused, highlighting risks on both sides of the trip.

Lyft’s first-ever safety transparency report, covering 2017 through 2019, revealed 4,158 reports of sexual assault during that period, including 360 reports of rape, as well as 10 deaths from physical assaults. The report showed that 52 percent of incidents were reported by riders, 38 percent by drivers, and 10 percent by third parties such as law enforcement.

While both companies stressed that the vast majority of trips occur without reported incidents, these numbers represent thousands of devastating lived experiences. For survivors in Chicago, where rideshare trips are a daily necessity for O’Hare and Midway airport pickups, late-night rides, and work commutes, the reports demonstrate why legal action is essential.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers helps survivors file sexual assault lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, recover compensation, and hold rideshare companies accountable for systemic failures that allow such traumatic incidents to continue.

Where Do Rideshare Sexual Assaults Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Rideshare sexual assaults in Chicago often occur in areas where passengers are most vulnerable—places where riders depend on Uber late at night, when impaired, or when traveling alone.

Airport zones are a frequent setting, with O’Hare and Midway pickup and drop-off areas creating opportunities for predators posing as legitimate drivers. Survivors have reported incidents after long flights, when exhaustion and confusion make them less likely to question a driver’s conduct.

Downtown nightlife districts such as River North, Wrigleyville, and the West Loop also see higher risks. Intoxicated passengers leaving bars and clubs are frequent targets for Uber drivers who take advantage of their condition.

College campuses, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, DePaul, and the University of Chicago, are also hotspots, with students relying on rideshares for safety only to face sexual misconduct instead. In suburban communities, late-night drop-offs in isolated neighborhoods have led to assaults where survivors were stalked or followed into their homes.

What Laws Govern Rideshare Sexual Assault Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program, governed by the Crime Victims Compensation Act (740 ILCS 45/1 et seq.), offers financial assistance to survivors of violent crimes, including sexual assault. While this program does not replace a civil lawsuit against Uber or Lyft, it can provide immediate relief to survivors while legal action is pursued for additional compensation.

The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) protects individuals from discrimination and harassment, extending to situations where sexual misconduct occurs. Survivors of rideshare sexual assault in Chicago may find additional protection under this statute when an Uber driver engages in unlawful conduct. These protections work in conjunction with civil lawsuits, affirming survivors’ legal rights and offering another avenue to hold individuals and corporations accountable for misconduct.

Common Carrier Liability Principles under Illinois law impose heightened responsibilities on companies that transport passengers for compensation. Even though Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, survivors of rideshare sexual assault may argue that these companies function as common carriers and therefore owe passengers the highest duty of care. This duty requires rideshare companies to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Chicago?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, sexual abuse cases may allow extended timelines, especially if the harm was not immediately discovered or if the survivor was a minor at the time of the assault.

Can You Hold Uber Accountable in a Civil Lawsuit?

Survivors of rideshare sexual assault in Chicago often ask whether they can hold Uber or Lyft accountable—not just the individual driver. The answer is yes. While the driver who committed the assault can be sued directly, rideshare companies may also be liable under theories of negligent hiring, inadequate screening, or failing to remove drivers after prior complaints. 

In some cases, third-party background check providers may share responsibility if their errors allowed a predator to remain on the platform. Liability can also extend to property owners if the assault occurred in unsafe areas such as parking lots, hotels, or drop-off zones. A Chicago Uber sexual assault attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and build a strong case for compensation.

Common Defenses in Chicago Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft rarely accept responsibility without a fight. One of the most common defenses is the denial of liability, where companies argue their drivers are independent contractors and that they cannot be held responsible for assaults. 

Defense attorneys may also attempt to claim the survivor consented to sexual acts, an argument that is often deeply offensive and contradicted by evidence. Another frequent tactic is to attack the survivor’s credibility, suggesting inconsistencies in memory, or to highlight delays in reporting, despite the well-documented psychological reasons survivors may hesitate to come forward.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has extensive experience countering these strategies. We quickly gather evidence, use expert testimony to explain trauma and delayed reporting, and highlight patterns of negligence in the rideshare company’s driver screening and complaint-handling. By anticipating these defenses, our Chicago Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers build strong cases that protect survivors and pursue full compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Lyft or Uber Sexual Assault Claim in Chicago

Taking immediate steps after an assault can make a significant difference in the strength of your case. Survivors should report the incident to law enforcement and to the rideshare company through the app. 

Preserving digital evidence is critical. Keep ride history, driver details, and any text or call records connected to the trip. Seeking medical treatment and psychological evaluations documents both physical injuries and emotional trauma. If witnesses were present, their statements can provide valuable support.

An experienced lawyer can act quickly to preserve additional evidence, including subpoenaing Uber or Lyft for driver records, safety complaints, and GPS data. The sooner an attorney is involved, the more effectively they can build a strong case, identify liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve under Illinois law.

How a Lyft and Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help

Survivors of rideshare sexual assault often feel overwhelmed by the legal system and the power of companies like Uber Technologies and Lyft. Our top-rated Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyers provide more than legal representation. We offer support, guidance, and the resources needed to seek compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

Gather Evidence

Our Lyft and Uber sexual assault lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to secure critical evidence. This includes obtaining trip records, driver histories, surveillance footage, and prior complaint data from Uber Technologies or Lyft. By preserving evidence early, your attorney strengthens your claim and counters common defense tactics designed to deny liability.

Calculate the Full Scope of Damages

Beyond immediate medical bills, survivors may face years of therapy, lost wages, diminished earning potential, and lifelong trauma. Our Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyers carefully document these damages, often working with medical and psychological experts, to ensure the claim reflects the full impact of such traumatic incidents.

Seek Justice Through Negotiation or Litigation

While many rideshare sexual assault cases resolve through settlement, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This approach allows us to negotiate from a position of strength while being ready to hold Uber, Lyft, or other parties accountable in Cook County or federal court.

FAQs

What is the difference between a civil and criminal sexual assault case?

A criminal sexual assault case is prosecuted by the state and focuses on punishing the offender through criminal charges. A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, allows survivors to pursue financial compensation from the driver, Uber, Lyft, or other responsible parties for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional harm.

Can I pursue legal action if there are no criminal charges against the Uber driver?

Yes. A civil lawsuit does not require criminal charges or a conviction. Survivors can still file a claim against an Uber driver and the rideshare company itself if evidence shows negligence or misconduct, even if prosecutors choose not to pursue criminal charges.

Is it possible to remain anonymous throughout the legal process?

In many cases, survivors can file under initials or a pseudonym to protect their privacy. Courts in Illinois often grant requests for anonymity in sexual assault lawsuits to shield survivors from unwanted exposure while still allowing them to pursue justice and compensation through the legal system.

How much does an Uber sexual assault attorney cost in Chicago?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents survivors on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and survivors pay nothing out of pocket. Our fee is collected only if we successfully secure financial compensation through a settlement or court verdict in your case.

Who can file a rideshare sexual assault claim in Chicago?

Survivors who were directly assaulted by an Uber driver can file a civil claim. In tragic cases involving wrongful death, family members may bring a lawsuit. Relatives may additionally pursue derivative claims when they suffer measurable emotional or financial harm connected to the survivor’s injuries, ensuring accountability extends beyond the immediate victim.

Book a Free Consultation With a Chicago Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Near You

If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted by an Uber driver, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our top-rated Chicago Uber sexual assault lawyers provide compassionate, trauma-informed support while aggressively pursuing legal action against negligent drivers and the corporations that enabled them. 

We offer every survivor a free and confidential consultation to discuss legal options. There are no upfront costs to work with us as our Chicago personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to speak with an experienced sexual assault lawyer who will protect your legal rights, hold Uber accountable, and fight for the recovery you need to move forward. Call us at (888) 424—5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.