Brianna Mensing recently shared her story in a Charlotte federal courtroom, testifying about a 2019 ride that changed her life forever. Mensing told jurors that her driver grabbed her thigh “handfully” and “asked if he could keep it with him” as he was dropping her off. She described the experience as “disgusting,” “horrifying,” and “terrifying”.
Sejal Brahmbhatt and John Boundas of Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represent Mensing in this critical legal battle. While Uber disputed her account and questioned her history, Mensing stood firm, stating her goal was to hold Uber accountable so that other passengers do not have to endure the same ordeal.
The Verdict: Jury Finds Uber Driver Committed Battery
On April 20, 2026, after three hours of deliberation, a nine-person federal jury reached a verdict. The jury found that the Uber driver did indeed sexually assault Mensing at the end of her ride.
While the jury awarded $5,000 in nominal damages, the finding of battery is a significant legal victory. This “bellwether” result establishes a critical precedent for thousands of other survivors in the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Uber.
Key Facts from the Mensing Case
- The Incident: The driver grabbed Mensing’s upper inner thigh during her second-ever Uber ride in March 2019.
- The Verdict: A federal jury in Charlotte officially found the driver committed battery.
- Legal Ruling: U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ruled that Uber is a common carrier under North Carolina law.
- The Responsibility: As a common carrier, Uber has a “non-delegable duty” to safely transport its passengers.
Why This Verdict Matters
This trial is a major “bellwether” case used to predict how future juries might react to evidence in the thousands of similar lawsuits filed against Uber nationwide. This is the second such trial to reach a verdict this year; the first, held in Arizona, resulted in an $8.5 million award for the plaintiff.
The North Carolina ruling is particularly impactful because of the “common carrier” classification. While Uber often argues that drivers are independent contractors to shield itself from liability, Judge Breyer’s ruling means the company is held to a higher legal duty for passenger safety.
Read more: Are Rideshare Background Checks Failing Passengers? Investigating the Gaps
A Record of Success in Rideshare Litigation
Sejal Brahmbhatt and the team at Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP are recognized leaders in this field. They serve in leadership roles for the national trial committee, focusing on holding large rideshare companies accountable for their safety practices and background check failures.
What This Means for Survivors
Brianna Mensing’s case proves that your voice matters and that even the largest companies can be held accountable in court. If you were harmed during a rideshare trip, you have legal rights. Taking action helps push these companies to fix safety flaws and prevents others from being hurt.
If you were harmed during a rideshare trip, you have legal rights. Taking legal action helps push these companies to fix their safety flaws and can help prevent others from being hurt in the future.
How to Take Action
Knowing what to do after a rideshare assault can help you protect your rights and build a strong foundation for your case. Following a clear plan is the best way to ensure you are safe and your story is documented:
- Report the incident to both the police and the rideshare company immediately.
- Keep records of your ride history, receipts, and any security footage or messages.
- Talk to a lawyer who has experience handling these specific types of cases.
Start Your Path to Justice
You do not have to carry this burden alone. Our legal team is ready to listen to your story with the respect and care you deserve. Our Houston mass tort lawyers handle the difficult legal work and the paperwork so that you can focus on your own healing and recovery.
Whether you were harmed recently or years ago, you may still have legal options. Speaking up can hold big companies accountable and make ridesharing safer for everyone in the community. We offer a private and safe space to discuss your rights and help you decide on the best next steps for your future. Call us at (713) 230-2200 or fill out our online form.