Arbitrator holds Uber and driver jointly liable, orders $40 million payout
An arbitrator found Uber and driver Vu Tran jointly responsible for the death of Emily Normandin-Parker and awarded $20 million each to her parents, plus $300,000 to a passenger friend.
In an arbitration case, Retired Judge Richard A. Stone concluded that Uber and its driver Vu Tran are jointly and severally liable for the death of 23-year-old Emily Normandin-Parker after she was left on a freeway and struck by another vehicle. The ruling grants $20 million each to her parents, Carol Normandin and Ken Parker, while a fellow passenger, Luna Moore, receives $300,000. Stone described the driver’s actions as illegal and unsafe, noting that Tran could have used a safer exit but instead left the passengers at a gore point.
GPS evidence showed Tran approached the victim’s body before calling Uber to request a cleaning fee. The arbitrator rejected Uber’s claim of immunity under Proposition 22 and found the company actively provides transportation services, rejecting its request for punitive damages.
Why it matters
The ruling challenges Uber’s claim of being merely a platform and could reshape liability standards for ride-hailing firms.
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