Uber drivers face all sorts of injury hazards whenever they go to work. While car accidents are the most obvious danger these workers face, they are also vulnerable to other types of incidents that can result with them suffering major injuries.
Take Omar, a 32-year-old Uber driver who suffered a broken jaw after being assaulted by a passenger. The injuries Omar sustained in the assault left him the hospital for a whole week. Unfortunately, employees who work for platforms like Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, Instacart, Postmates or Homejoy, can’t turn to their employers for compensation. This is because these companies have no obligation to provide independent contractors with the same protections other workers are entitled to. This includes protections like overtime, paid sick days, health insurance, and workers' compensation.
Unlike other hourly employees, independent contractors are largely able to set their own hours, choose their own clients, and control other aspects of the jobs they perform. However, in exchange for this autonomy, independent contractors are on their own if they suffer a work-related injury. While workers compensation is designed to pay for work-related injuries and lost wages, independent contractors can’t rely on such benefits if they are injured at work. This can pose a major problem for independent contractors who rely on contract work for their full-time income.
Driving passengers around for hire ranks as one of the nation’s most dangerous jobs. Although Uber and Lyft claim that their drivers are less likely to be robbed by passengers because they don’t carry cash, passengers continue to attack and injure rideshare drivers. According to Deborah Berkowitz, senior fellow at the National Employment Law Project, “Uber drivers deserve to be covered by the same labor protections for safety and workers’ compensation as are taxi drivers and others.”
Speak with an Attorney Today
Although Uber and other rideshare service workers aren’t covered by workers’ compensation, there are other avenues to pursue compensation for an injury sustained on the job. At The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC, our legal team is dedicated to helping workers throughout San Antonio defend their rights and obtain justice. If you suffered an injury while working for Uber or Lyft, contact our workplace injury attorney to find out what legal options are available for you.
Call (210) 807-3178 to schedule a free case evaluation. We are here to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.