Weber Gallagher Secures Directed Verdict for Uber in Philadelphia County Jury Trial

PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 16, 2025 — In a decisive courtroom victory, Weber Gallagher partners Madeline Baio and Joanna Buchanico successfully secured a directed verdict in favor of Uber Technologies, Inc. in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The ruling came in the matter of Yvette Hawthorne v. Uber Technologies, Inc., et. al., Docket No. 230502361, before the Honorable Judge Vincent Johnson.

At the close of the plaintiff’s case, Judge Johnson granted a Motion for a Directed Verdict, dismissing all claims against Uber because the plaintiff failed to prove her claim that the driver using the Uber app was an employee or agent of Uber. The plaintiff, represented by Morgan & Morgan, alleged that she sustained injuries during a ride arranged through the Uber app on July 24, 2022, and sought to hold Uber vicariously liable under theories of employment and agency. The defense, led by Baio and Buchanico, argued that no employment or agency relationship existed between Uber and the driver.

“This result underscores the importance of evidentiary standards in respondeat superior and agency-based liability claims,” said Baio and Buchanico. “We are proud to have delivered a strong defense and a favorable outcome for our client.”

The co-defendant driver, represented by David Bergstralh, Esquire of the Law Offices of Jessica Adams, received a jury verdict in his favor the following day.

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