Uber ordered to pay blind passenger $ 1.1 million

The arbitrator rejected Uber’s (UBER) argument that it was not responsible for its drivers’ violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because they are independent contractors.

“Whether its drivers are employees or independent contractors, Uber is nonetheless subject to the ADA because of its contractual relationship with its drivers,” the price said.

“We are proud that Uber’s technology has helped blind people get around and miss Ms. Irving’s experience. Drivers using the Uber app are expected to serve passengers with service animals and to comply with accessibility laws and responsibilities. Our dedicated team reviews each complaint and takes appropriate action, ”the company said in a statement.

In addition to being denied rides, Irving said some drivers who came to pick her up became verbally abusive towards her and her service dog Bernie, according to Price.

She alleged that some denied trips caused her to be late for work and “contributed to her separation from her employer,” according to Price.

Irving said she didn’t feel safe because of the behavior of at least one driver, depending on the price.

“[The driver] yelled at her to get out of her car at least fifteen times, at one point she stopped to ask him to get out into a dangerous area, making her feel helpless in the face of his intimidation and threats, “the arbitrator.

Irving has filed complaints against the drivers with Uber, depending on the price.

“Uber is responsible for each of these incidents under the ADA’s DOJ interpretation as well as due to Uber’s contractual oversight of its drivers and its inability to prevent discrimination by properly training its workers.” , indicates the price.

“Of all the Americans who are expected to be liberated by the ridesharing revolution, the blind and visually impaired are among those who will benefit the most. However, the track record of major ridesharing services has been uneven at best and blatantly discriminatory at worst. background Under US disability law, a guide dog should be able to go anywhere a blind person can go, ”Irving’s lawyer Catherine Cabalo said in a statement.