Lyft has had numerous problems with drivers who do not pick up riders for a variety of reasons, but for the most part, the reasons are perfectly legal, if only a violation of Lyft’s terms and services. However, there have been some instances where in the canceled rides are for illegal reasons. One such reason is due to the presence of service animals. Service animals must be taken on the rides and Lyft drivers who deny service animals can be deactivated, and the company can be sued for discrimination. You can join a Lyft class action lawsuit for service animal rejection and receive compensation for the actions of the drivers and the company. Our law firm, the Kenmore Law Group, can help you file a lawsuit against Lyft for not allowing your service animal on the ride.
Service Animal Information
A service animal is described by the Americans with Disabilities Act as “a service animal – that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Service animals can only be dogs; no other pets are listed, and therefore, Lyft drivers can reasonably deny riders who do not have dog.
One of the main points of contention is the identification of service animals. Because service animals do not need to wear vests or otherwise be identified to the public or private companies, it can be difficult for Lyft drivers to determine if the animals truly are service animals.
Bear in mind that emotional support animals do not count as service animals, nor do companions and crime deterring animals.
There are only two questions that Lyft drivers can ask service dog owners. The first is whether or not the dog is needed for a disability, as in does the dog provide warnings for episodes or attacks or does it help with mobility. The second question concerns the work or tasks the dog has been trained to perform. Drivers are allowed to ask if the dog has the ability to do certain things for the owner.
Service animals may complete the following tasks for their owners:
- Assist with walking, as seeing-eye dogs do
- Alert owners to presence of people or nearby objects
- Provide non-violent protection
- Pull wheelchair or mobile assist device
- Provide support during a seizure
- Retrieve medicine or other items
- Provide physical support
- Impede impulsive or destructive behaviors
If your driver did not ask you anything about the service animal and rejected your ride, you could file a Lyft service dog class action lawsuit.
Lyft Policy on Service Animals
Lyft has a policy in its driver agreement that states the following:
“Drivers have a legal obligation to transport Riders with Service Animals with no exception
for allergies, religious objections, fear of Service Animals, or any other reason not expressly
authorized by the ADA. If a driver refuses to drive a rider with a service animal because of the
service animal, the driver is in violation of the law and the Lyft Terms of Service to which the
driver has agreed.”
Therefore, drivers cannot reject riders who have service animals. The consequence for those drivers who do reject riders with service animals is permanent removal from the Lyft platform and being barred from driving for the company in the future.
You may wish to sue Lyft if your Lyft driver did not allow your service dog to come on the ride with you, as well. There have been numerous lawsuits against the company, with more happening each year. A Lyft service pet class action lawsuit attorney can help you join the correct suit and win the damages you deserve.
Can I sue Lyft if my driver cancelled my ride because I had a service dog?
Yes, you can sue Lyft if your driver canceled your ride because of your service animal. As stated above, Lyft’s policy is to allow all riders onto the ride if they have service animas, regardless of allergic reactions or other issues.
Can I sue Lyft if my Lyft driver did not let me in the car because I had a service dog?
Yes, you can sue Lyft if your Lyft driver did not let you in the car because you had a service dog. This is not only discriminatory but extremely dangerous if you needed to go on an emergency ride or if you could not stand or be in the heat for some time. There are many scenarios in which it is important that you get where you are going, and that impediment can be dangerous.
Lyft Service Animal Class Action Lawsuit
You can sue Lyft if your Lyft driver did not let you on because you had a service dog. It may be in your best interest to join a class action lawsuit, which allows you to be put into a collective situation. There are many plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit with the same or similar complaints or wrongs caused to them by the defendant. With a class action lawsuit, there are benefits and cons.
One of the largest benefits is the abundance of proof that is available. All of the plaintiffs can pool their proof and show that Lyft drivers acted discriminatorily over a number of times, which can show that there were ample people breaking the law and ignoring policies. This may point to Lyft not enforcing its policies or ensuring that people understand them.
A drawback of class action lawsuits, though, is that the compensation or winnings will be equally spread out amongst the plaintiffs in the event the lawsuit is successful. This often leads to smaller amounts per person than if each person filed a claim by himself. There is less of a chance of victory if you go at a claim solo, though.
Let our California lawyers who have experience with Lyft service dog class action lawsuits help you win your claim.
What should I do if I was denied a ride because of my service dog?
If a Lyft driver denied you a ride, you should immediately try to gather evidence of the refusal. It will help you with your lawsuit against the company.
The first action you should take is to take a screenshot of the Lyft ride that contains the driver’s information, such as his name and license plate number, so you can file a complaint against Lyft for the correct person. Your second step is to file the complaint against Lyft, which can be done through the app or through the website.
If you were not alone for the incident, or if there were other bystanders nearby who saw the interaction take place, you can take down their statements and testimonies to back you up. If other people say that you were refused the ride because of your service dog, your claim will be stronger.
Once you have gotten your evidence, you can approach an attorney to sue Lyft for not allowing a service animal in a Lyft ride. We will go over your claim, compile your evidence, write the demand letter, and take action against the company.
What can I receive in a Lyft service dog lawsuit?
If you were denied a ride by a Lyft driver and you choose to sue, you may be able to receive various kinds of compensation for your claim. You may be able to receive reimbursement for the trip and payment for any missed appointments; medical expenses if the missed ride caused you to suffer an attack or not be able to prevent it in time; pain and suffering damages for PTSD, anxiety, fear, and more; punitive damages if the driver harmed you or if there were gross negligence in the event; and more.
You should not expect to receive nothing. Our attorneys can make sure you are fairly compensated.
Our Firm and You
The Kenmore Law Group has a team of experienced Lyft accident lawyers who can file your lawsuit for you and ensure that you are paid what you deserve. We are no strangers to class action claims and know that many individuals should be compensated for the discrimination they suffered at the hands of Lyft drivers. We are aggressive lawyers who will pursue every penny you deserve, and we won’t stop until we are satisfied with the result. If we need to go to court to win your case, we are willing to do so.
To set up a free legal consultation with a skilled lawyer, call our law offices today. We’ll look over your case and tell you if it’s a wise idea to join a class action claim. You are encouraged to ask us whatever questions you wish, and we’ll answer you so you have the best information available and so you are not left in the dark. If you want to hire us to represent you, we will give you our zero fee guarantee. This promises that you won’t have to pay a dime of out of pocket expenses for the case. We will cover all the costs and we won’t get paid unless and until we win you a settlement or verdict. If we lose, we take nothing at all.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Kenmore Law Group to file a Lyft service dog class action lawsuit.
