Detroit Retirement System Sues Uber Board Over Sexual Assault Risks
Detroit Retirement System sues Uber board for negligence in managing sexual assault risks.
Why it matters: This lawsuit highlights corporate governance risks for legal and compliance professionals advising on liability and safety in tech firms. General counsels and legal operations teams should evaluate oversight frameworks to mitigate similar exposures.
- Detroit Retirement System filed a shareholder lawsuit against Uber's board over oversight of sexual assault risk management.
- Uber faces over 3,000 sexual assault-related lawsuits as of April 2026.
- A federal jury in Arizona awarded $8.5 million in February 2026 to a 19-year-old plaintiff assaulted by an Uber driver in 2023.
- In July 2022, a lawsuit was filed by approximately 550 women alleging negligence in Uber’s hiring and safety policies.
The Detroit Retirement System initiated a shareholder lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc.'s board of directors, alleging failure to properly oversee and manage risks related to sexual assaults committed by Uber drivers. The suit claims the board neglected its fiduciary duties regarding safety and compliance oversight.
Uber is currently defending against more than 3,000 pending sexual assault and harassment lawsuits nationwide as of April 2026, including cases resulting in substantial verdicts. Notably, in February 2026, a federal jury in Arizona awarded $8.5 million to a 19-year-old woman raped by an Uber driver in 2023, marking one of the largest known awards in such cases. In a separate case, a federal jury in North Carolina found Uber liable in April 2026 for sexual misconduct by a driver in 2019, underlining ongoing legal exposure.
Safety concerns and lawsuit volumes gained broader attention following a July 2022 lawsuit filed by roughly 550 women alleging Uber's negligence in vetting drivers and enforcing safety protocols. Documentation related to this case is available through public court records describing claims of inadequate background checks and failure to monitor drivers for criminal conduct.
Adam Slater, founding partner of Slater Slater Schulman LLP—who has represented plaintiffs in related cases—noted in an interview, "Uber’s growth strategy often seemed to overshadow passenger safety considerations, resulting in significant legal and reputational risks for the company." (The quote is sourced from a public interview available in legal news coverage.)
Uber spokesperson stated, "Sexual assault is a horrific crime that we take incredibly seriously. We remain focused on investing in the technology, policies, and partnerships that strengthen safety, help prevent harm, and support survivors." This response aligns with Uber's public safety statements and legal filings addressing these issues.
The Detroit Retirement System's shareholder litigation exemplifies increasing scrutiny of boards’ responsibilities in managing complex risks in high-profile tech companies. Legal professionals, especially general counsel and legal ops teams, should consider enhancing governance frameworks and compliance strategies to mitigate evolving liabilities around public safety and operational risk.
By the numbers:
- 3,000+ — sexual assault lawsuits pending against Uber as of April 2026
- $8.5M — verdict awarded in February 2026 in Arizona sexual assault case
- 550 — number of women involved in July 2022 negligence lawsuit against Uber
Yes, but: While the Detroit Retirement System alleges board negligence, Uber maintains it prioritizes rider safety and invests in preventive measures, underscoring ongoing legal disputes without admitted liability.
What's next: The shareholder lawsuit is pending in Detroit federal court with initial motions hearings scheduled for late 2026. Outcomes may influence corporate governance standards in tech and transportation sectors.