Plaintiffs Push for Unified Venue
Despite the company’s argument, plaintiffs in 16 of the 20 bellwether cases have sought to keep the trials in the MDL’s current venue. The plaintiffs argue for centralized proceedings in the Northern District of California, a strategy commonly employed in MDLs to streamline litigation and conserve judicial resources.
Uber countered that the plaintiffs are bound by the terms they accepted upon using the platform, which include the forum selection clause. “Uber’s terms of use — including the forum-selection clause — constitute a valid and enforceable contract, which each relevant plaintiff executed,” the company said. “Accordingly, federal law presumptively requires transfer to the forum specified.”
Bellwether Trials Signal Next Phase
The MDL accuses Uber of ignoring widespread reports of driver misconduct since at least 2014. Plaintiffs contend the company failed to implement safeguards such as in-vehicle cameras and comprehensive background checks, contributing to a pattern of assaults nationwide.
With fact discovery nearing completion, the MDL is preparing for 20 bellwether trials. The court has already identified an “initial wave” of six cases, scheduled to proceed later this year. These early trials will likely set the tone for settlement talks or further litigation strategies.
