Uber Rises 0.53% on $1.21B Volume (Rank 48) as CEO Sues Over Safety Protocol Failures

On August 21, 2025, Uber (UBER) rose 0.53% with a trading volume of $1.21 billion, ranking 48th in market activity. A lawsuit filed by TC BioPharm CEO Bryan Kobel against Uber has drawn attention to the company’s safety protocols. Kobel alleges he was assaulted by an undocumented Russian national, Uliumdzhiev Vadim Nikolaevich, in a Charleston, S.C., parking lot in April. Surveillance footage shows the driver physically attacking Kobel after a dispute over a service dog. The incident led to a severe concussion and hospitalization for Kobel, who claims Uber failed to verify Nikolaevich’s legal status or fraudulent driver’s license. The lawsuit accuses Uber of negligence in background checks and real-time monitoring, citing the driver’s ability to operate on the platform despite red flags.

Uber’s legal exposure extends beyond the immediate case. Kobel’s attorneys argue the company’s reliance on inadequate screening systems endangered riders, highlighting risks for a publicly traded entity dependent on user trust. The case has raised broader concerns about rideshare safety, particularly in light of Nikolaevich’s subsequent immigration detention in Georgia. Uber’s response, including deactivating Kobel’s account and delaying support, has been criticized as victim-blaming. The lawsuit seeks compensation for physical and emotional damages, with Kobel describing a 60-day recovery period marked by cognitive impairment and professional disruption. The incident underscores regulatory and reputational pressures for gig economy firms navigating immigration and liability challenges.

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