At Advocate Capital, we deeply value the work of trial lawyers and organizations like Public Justice, who fight tirelessly to protect access to justice for consumers and injured individuals. Their efforts in cases like Chilutti v. Uber highlight why safeguarding the right to a jury trial is so critical.
In Pennsylvania, contracts that waive a person’s right to a jury trial are only valid if the person has full knowledge and understanding of the terms they are agreeing to. The key question before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Chilutti v. Uber is whether the Court can enforce Uber’s arbitration agreement against the plaintiff, who sued after she was seriously injured while riding in an Uber.
The case matters because if companies can force arbitration through hidden or unclear agreements, consumers may lose one of their most fundamental rights: the ability to have their case heard by a jury of their peers.
In 2019, the plaintiffs ordered a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) through the Uber app. One of the plaintiffs, who uses a wheelchair, remained securely in her chair during the ride but was not provided with a seatbelt, despite her request. The driver, distracted by his phone, made a sharp turn that caused her to be thrown from her chair, leaving her with severe and permanent injuries.
The plaintiffs brought a personal injury lawsuit against Uber, its subsidiaries, the WAV’s owner, and the driver. Uber responded by attempting to force the case into arbitration based on terms the plaintiffs never saw when they signed up for the app. While a trial court compelled arbitration, an appellate court later ruled there was no enforceable arbitration agreement. The case is now before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on September 9, 2025.
This case isn’t just about one family’s pain; it’s about the broader question of whether powerful corporations can limit accountability by burying arbitration clauses in fine print or hidden hyperlinks. If upheld, the appellate court’s ruling would strengthen protections for consumers across Pennsylvania, ensuring that companies cannot sidestep the legal system without informed consent.
Public Justice is playing an important role in this fight. They work alongside lawyers and clients to protect fundamental rights, such as access to the courts and the ability to hold corporations accountable. At Advocate Capital, we are proud to support trial lawyers and organizations like Public Justice who ensure that victims of negligence have their day in court. To read more about this case or to support Public Justice, visit their website, publicjustice.net.
