The U.S. Justice Department Sues Uber Over Disability Discrimination

Geoff Cook

The U.S. Justice Department Sues Uber Over Disability Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging the company and its drivers discriminate against passengers with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit, which seeks $125 million in damages for affected individuals, claims that Uber drivers have routinely denied rides to people who use service animals or stowable wheelchairs.

According to the complaint, Uber drivers have also charged improper cleaning fees for service animal shedding and cancellation fees for riders who were denied service. The DOJ alleges that Uber has failed to reasonably modify its policies, procedures, and training to prevent this type of discrimination.

In response, Uber stated that it fundamentally disagrees with the allegations. The company maintains that it has a clear zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials and that its drivers are required to comply with all applicable accessibility laws and policies. The lawsuit seeks to compel Uber to change its policies, provide ADA training to its staff and drivers, and pay damages and civil penalties. This is not the first time Uber has faced legal action over disability rights. A previous lawsuit concerning wait time fees for disabled passengers was settled in 2022.

Here is a video that offers more details on the lawsuit.

DOJ files $125 million lawsuit against Uber

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYgErjnWVbc&t=3s&ab_channel=CBSChicago