ORLANDO, Fla. – A Florida woman is taking legal action against ride-share company Lyft after alleging that she was s*xually assaulted by one of their drivers in 2019. Tabatha Means filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, seeking damages of over $75,000 for the emotional distress and physical trauma she endured.
The lawsuit states that Means was followed into her home by the Lyft driver, who proceeded to r*pe her repeatedly while she was intoxicated. As a result of the alleged assault, Means became pregnant and gave birth to her youngest son prematurely. The baby spent nearly a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth, according to the lawsuit.
Means is suing Lyft on multiple grounds, including alleged negligence, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also claims that the DNA test confirmed the Lyft driver to be the father of the child.
In response to the lawsuit, Abrams, Means’ attorney, criticized Lyft’s safety checks and emphasized the company’s marketing as a safe travel option, especially for women. Meanwhile, Lyft has denied the allegations, stating that the driver in question no longer worked for the company at the time of the 2019 incident.
The lawsuit and subsequent legal battle shines a light on the safety and accountability measures of ride-share companies, and raises important questions surrounding the responsibilities of such companies to protect their passengers. The case also highlights the legal intricacies and challenges faced by victims of s*xual assault in seeking justice and holding companies accountable for their employees’ actions.
Lyft’s response to the lawsuit underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency in addressing such serious allegations, and the legal battle will likely prompt discussions and debates concerning safety protocols and liability in the ride-share industry.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by Tabatha Means against Lyft serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and consequences that women and other vulnerable passengers may face while using ride-share services, and it sheds light on the critical need for comprehensive safety measures and accountability within the industry.