Uber

Disabled Woman Alleges Three Uber Drivers Denied Her a Ride

A disabled Encino woman is suing Uber Technologies Inc., alleging she was left stranded by three of the ride-hailing company's drivers in 2018 because they did not want to pick up someone in a wheelchair.

Ilanit Harounsheily says in her Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed Wednesday that a fourth driver finally stopped and gave her a ride. Her suit alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, unfair business practices and violations of the state Civil Code.

Harounsheily is demanding triple damages on two of the Civil Code allegations. An Uber representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Harounsheily, 43, was born with a non-ambulatory form of cerebral palsy, her suit states. She is wheelchair-bound and has had multiple leg surgeries, according to the complaint.

Harounsheily takes Uber rides about twice a week, mainly for medical appointments, to go shopping and see relatives, the suit states.

Harounsheily called for an Uber ride on March 30, 2018, so she could ride from Encino to visit with her family members having their annual Passover dinner, the suit states.

The first Uber driver, seeing that Harounsheily was in a wheelchair, "decided to drive off and leave plaintiff stranded," the suit alleges.

The second driver also refused to stop for Harounsheily and charged her a cancellation fee, according to the suit.

"Plaintiff tried with Uber again a third time and she once again received the same treatment and was left stranded," the suit states.

A fourth Uber driver finally stopped and took Harounsheily to her destination, the suit states.

Harounsheily believes other disabled riders have similarly been denied rides and/or charged cancellation fees, according to the suit.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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