Uber Proposes Controversial Measure to Limit Legal Fees in Nevada

Uber’s Ambitious Initiative to Reshape Litigation in Nevada

For decades, corporate America has harbored a longstanding ambition: to make it increasingly difficult for dissatisfied customers, employees, and others to initiate lawsuits against companies seeking compensation for alleged grievances, mistreatment, and other forms of harm. In a significant development, Uber, the prominent ride-hailing giant that has faced a myriad of lawsuits over the years, is now advancing a plan that could turn this vision into reality in at least one state.

Uber is currently working to place a controversial measure on the ballot in Nevada that would impose severe restrictions on the amount of money attorneys could earn when successfully representing clients in lawsuits. Should this initiative gain approval from voters, it would likely deter many plaintiffs’ lawyers from taking on such cases, as it could render these lawsuits less appealing and, in some instances, financially unfeasible.

The proposed measure seeks to establish a cap that would prevent lawyers from collecting more than 20 percent of the jury awards or settlements obtained for their clients. This significant limitation could drastically alter the landscape of legal recourse for individuals seeking justice.

The initiative is being spearheaded by a newly formed political action committee known as Nevadans for Fair Recovery, which was established earlier this year with direct ties to Uber and its lobbying efforts. Campaign finance records reveal that Uber has contributed a substantial $5 million to this PAC, making it the sole financial backer of this initiative.

Advocates for the measure assert that it is designed to safeguard individuals from trial lawyers who, according to the PAC’s messaging, are “getting rich at the expense of plaintiffs and everyone else.” This narrative is prominently featured on their website, accompanied by an image depicting someone sliding a $100 bill into a suit pocket.