Co-Managing Partner Aaron Davis recently spoke with Law360 to offer his legal perspective on Uber’s $8.5 million bellwether verdict. The case is part of a broader multidistrict litigation (MDL) alleging that Uber failed to adequately protect passengers from sexual assault by drivers.

Aaron noted that the size of the award significantly increases plaintiffs’ leverage in settlement discussions and shifts the dynamics of the MDL. He also explained how early bellwether outcomes like this can recalibrate how both plaintiffs and defendants assess risk, value cases, and shape future trial strategies.

“Uber and Lyft try to require that auto accident claims be arbitrated,” said Aaron. “It’s difficult to prove apparent agency, so this verdict may actually have greater implications for the types of cases that don’t actually enter a courtroom because they’re being privately arbitrated by contract.”