Food Delivery Assault Lawsuits

Food Delivery Assault Lawsuits

In this digital age, tech-driven food and grocery delivery services have become increasingly popular. However, many of the companies in this industry, such as DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub and Uber Eats, are facing scrutiny over the safety of their services.

Food delivery drivers and customers have been victims of serious physical and sexual assaults. Survivors can take legal action against their attackers and the negligent companies that enabled them.

Were You Assaulted During a Food Delivery?

Legal Action Might Be Right for You — Learn About Your Options

In this digital age, tech-driven food and grocery delivery services have become increasingly popular. However, many of the companies in this industry, such as DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub and Uber Eats, are facing scrutiny over the safety of their services.

Food delivery drivers and customers have been victims of serious physical and sexual assaults. Survivors can take legal action against their attackers and the negligent companies that enabled them.

Were You Assaulted During a Food Delivery?

Legal Action Might Be Right for You — Learn About Your Options

Why Food Delivery Assault Happens

App-based food delivery services have changed the game of food and grocery delivery. However, in doing so, they’ve created a potentially dangerous environment for delivery drivers, customers and restaurant workers.

Risks Of Gig Workers

Companies such as DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub and Uber Eats are all part of the gig worker economy. The drivers who work for these companies are independent contractors rather than employees. Thus, they aren’t offered basic employment benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, workers’ compensation or health insurance.

Being assaulted while on the job and lacking health benefits can leave many drivers to shoulder large medical bills. If the injury is serious enough, workers can face large medical bills and a loss of income during their recovery time. 

The design of the gig economy also makes contract drivers easy to replace. Therefore, companies offering gig services may choose to replace a driver rather than address their complaints or concerns over poor working conditions. 

The pandemic has only worsened the working conditions for some app-based delivery drivers. Many workers have faced a greater risk of exposure to the coronavirus and an increased risk of assault in some cities.

Risk Of Restaurant Workers

The model of the gig economy places a heavy burden on workers. But, in the food delivery industry, it has placed restaurant workers in danger as well. 

Most app-based food delivery drivers are paid per delivery rather than hourly. This means the faster they can deliver food, the more money they can make. In some cases, this business model has put a strain on the relationships between restaurants and delivery drivers. 

Impatient, aggressive drivers have assaulted restaurant workers during instances when food has not been prepared on time.

DoorDash Sexual Assault Lawsuits

DoorDash customers and drivers have been victims of sexual assaults and harassment. The company has been criticized for its handling of these situations.

DoorDash Customer Propositioned For Sex

In March 2021, a DoorDash driver attempted to solicit sexual favors from a female customer by withholding her food. After the woman reported the incident to DoorDash, a customer service representative responded to the incident, saying, “He must’ve been tired.” The meal was reassigned to a different driver, and the initial driver was deactivated from the platform.

Female DoorDash Drivers Face Sexual Harassment

In 2017, The Guardian reported on the sexual harassment many female gig economy workers face. One female driver was groped by a customer. She was later sent pornographic content through the app by a different customer. DoorDash canceled the customer’s order, but he continued to message her until his account was deactivated.

DoorDash and other food delivery companies should be held accountable for creating an environment that puts drivers and customers at risk of sexual violence. Survivors of food delivery-related assaults may be able to sue these companies for their negligence.

The rideshare industry has seen many similar legal cases. Survivors assaulted while using Uber or Lyft have filed lawsuits against these companies. Many of these rideshare assault lawsuits have ended in compensation for the victims and financial punishment for the responsible companies. Victims of food delivery assaults may be able to win similar compensation.

A food delivery company may be held liable for assaults committed by drivers if they failed to conduct a thorough background check. They may also be liable for attacks by customers for failing to take reasonable steps to protect its drivers. In either case, a survivor may be able to sue for negligence.

“DoorDash is like, ‘You’re an independent contractor. You’re in business for yourself. You know the risks. You’re on your own.’”

Melissa, DoorDash Driver & SurvivorThe Guardian

If you are a survivor of sexual assault by a food delivery driver or customer, an assault attorney can help determine if you have grounds for a negligence claim. Our professional lawyers will evaluate your case and provide next steps to pursue a lawsuit against DoorDash.

Sexually Assaulted While Using DoorDash?

You May Have Rights to Legal Compensation

DoorDash Physical Assault Lawsuits

Many DoorDash users have been physically harmed while using the app. But, DoorDash has done little to address the issue and prevent future assaults. Due to the company’s failure to act, many survivors have taken legal action to hold the company accountable.

DoorDash Customer Physically Attacked By Driver

In 2019, Michael Garcia placed a food delivery order through DoorDash. When the driver arrived, he called Garcia and told him to come outside and get the food. When Garcia came outside, the driver and another man attacked him, breaking his ankle in two places.

The driver was arrested and charged with assault. Garcia is also suing DoorDash for not properly vetting its drivers.

Although the news generally covers attacks on food delivery customers, delivery drivers are also at risk of physical assaults.

  • In May 2018, a DoorDash driver in Georgia was attacked from behind by a customer. The customer attempted to strangle the female driver with her own hair and niqab. 
  • In October 2019, a DoorDash driver in Minnesota was physically attacked by a customer during a delivery. The customer shouted, “Go back to your country,” at the driver.
  • In May 2020, a DoorDash driver in Arizona was held at gunpoint while making a delivery. 
  • In March 2021, a 19-year-old DoorDash driver in Ohio was badly beaten during a delivery. After delivering the food, the driver’s car was blocked in by multiple cars.

If you were physically attacked in a DoorDash-related assault, legal action may be right for you. Survivors can hold food delivery companies accountable for their negligence in these incidents. Talk to one of our food delivery assault attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

Assaulted While Using DoorDash?

We Can Help — Speak With One of Our Lawyers Today

Grubhub & Uber Eats Also Facing Assault Claims

Grubhub and Uber Eats are also facing allegations of not doing enough to protect contractors and users from sexual and physical assault. In at least one case, an attack proved fatal for a food delivery driver. 

Uber Eats Driver Killed In Carjacking Attempt

In March 2021, Mohammad Anwar, an Uber Eats driver, was attacked and killed during an attempted car theft in Washington, D.C. Two teenage girls attacked Anwar with a taser and attempted to steal his car. In the process, the assailants crashed and flipped the car. Anwar was killed. 

Apart from Uber Eats-related assaults, Uber may also be liable for physical and sexual assault lawsuits related to its rideshare services

Restaurant Worker Attacked By Fake Grubhub Driver

In May 2020, a fake Grubhub driver ran over Bijan Choya Early, a Chicago restaurant worker, with his car. The driver did not have a driver’s license and was using someone else’s Grubhub account. 

Early is now suing Grubhub for its negligence in allowing the driver to access someone else’s account and drive without a valid license.

Assaulted While Using Uber Eats or Grubhub?

We Can Help — Learn More About Your Legal Options

Instacart Assaults

Delivery drivers and customers for Instacart and other grocery delivery services are also at risk of physical and sexual assaults. One Instacart driver spoke with The Guardian about her fear when driving to more remote locations.

“They make us drive to these really unsafe zones — places that nobody wanted to deliver to. We’re so replaceable to them.”

Arlena Bain, Instacart DriverThe Guardian

Grocery delivery services have become more commonplace during the pandemic. However, this has placed many Instacart drivers and customers at risk of assaults. 

Survivors can take legal action by filing Instacart assault lawsuits against their abusers and the company that failed to protect them.

I Was Assaulted | Should I Hire A Lawyer?

If you or a loved one was the victim of a food or grocery delivery-related assault, legal action may be right for you. Survivors can file civil lawsuits against companies such as DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats and Grubhub for their negligent role in assaults.

Many survivors find legal action to be an important step in their healing process. Through the legal system, victims can hold their attackers and responsible parties accountable. This often brings a sense of relief and justice to survivors.

Breaking News: New York Law Gives New Options To Survivors Assaulted As Adults

New York’s Adult Survivors Act allows survivors to sue their abusers and/or the businesses/institutions that protected those abusers. If their assault happened in New York, people 18 and older may have new legal options.

For one year, victims can bring civil charges, no matter how long ago the assault happened. This “look back” window lasts from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023. Food delivery assault survivors can talk to a lawyer to learn more about how the Adult Survivors Act may give them new legal options.

Are You a New York Food Delivery Sexual Assault Survivor?

Legal Action Might Be Right for You — Learn About Your Options

Filing a lawsuit can also lead to financial compensation for victims. Monetary awards or settlements can go a long way in covering trauma-associated costs including:

  • Medical expenses (including therapy bills)
  • Loss of wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (loss of benefits in a familial relationship, usually claimed by a spouse or family member)
  • Punitive damages (award meant to financially punish the defendant)

Contact our legal partners today to learn more about your options. The Meneo Law Group has more than 30 years of experience with personal injury cases. The law firm will work on your behalf to ensure justice is served.

Considering Legal Action?

We Can Help — Speak With One of Our Attorneys Today

Food Delivery Assault FAQs

How Do I Report An Assault?

Emergency Call Icon

If you or a suspected victim is in danger, call 911 immediately.

You can report an assault to your local police department, by phone or in person. 

If you were sexually assaulted or seriously injured by a physical assault, you should also consider medical attention. You can report the assault to the medical professional treating you. But, reporting the incident is not required to gain treatment. 

To report an incident to the food delivery company, contact the company directly through customer support. Include as much detail as possible regarding the assault. Reports can be filed online or in the individual apps.

  • DoorDash

    Report a DoorDash driver or customer to the company here.

  • Grubhub

    Report a Grubhub customer to the company here.

  • Uber Eats

    Report an Uber Eats driver to the company here.

    Report an Uber Eats driver to the company here (for merchants and restaurants).

  • Instacart

    Report an Instacart shopper to the company here.

    Report an Instacart customer to the company using the online form or in-app via the Safety Hub.

If you plan to report your assault, try to do so as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more details you may forget about the incident. If you are hesitant to report it, consider documenting the incident. Record any details that come to mind and save the documentation in case you want to report the incident and take legal action in the future.  

Learn more about reporting sexual assault and abuse here >

What Does DoorDash Look For In A Background Check?

DoorDash uses Checkr, a third-party background check service. A DoorDash background check looks at the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and a criminal history report on all new driver applicants.

Can You Sue A Delivery Driver?

If you were sexually or physically assaulted by a food delivery driver, you can sue them directly. However, many survivors choose to sue the accused driver and the responsible company. 

If you are unsure who to name as a defendant in your food delivery assault lawsuit, contact our legal team today. Our attorneys can help you build a strong case to obtain compensation and justice.

How Long Do I Have To File An Assault Lawsuit?

The legal deadline to file an assault claim will depend on several factors:

  • The type of assault
  • The severity of the assault
  • The age of the victim

Additionally, the legal deadline will vary based on the state where the lawsuit is filed. Each state sets its own statute of limitations for various crimes.

A statute of limitations (SOL) is a legal deadline. SOLs vary based on the jurisdiction, the crime and the intended legal action (i.e., criminal charges versus a civil claim).

Recently, many states have expanded their statutes for civil claims of sexual assault and abuse. These expanded deadlines allow more survivors to take legal action against their attackers. 

Speak with one of our experienced attorneys to determine which statute applies to your unique case. 

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If you or a loved one If you or a loved one suffered a sexual assault or physical attack as a customer or driver during a DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart or another food delivery, you’re entitled to legal representation and possible financial compensation.
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Ron Meneo, Managing Partner at Meneo Law Group.

Meneo Group managing partner: Ron Meneo

Ron Meneo is the managing partner of The Meneo Law Group. With more than 40 years of experience, he represents clients across the country on a variety of complex legal matters, including personal injury due to institutional sexual abuse, unsafe pharmaceutical drugs and other practice areas. He is a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s prestigious AV® Preeminent Rating. He has also served as an editor and contributor for several legal journals.

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