Bryan Kobel, CEO of TC BioPharm, has filed a lawsuit against Uber following a violent incident in Charleston, South Carolina. In April, Kobel was allegedly assaulted by one of Uber’s drivers, identified as Russian national Vadim Uliumdzhiev, after requesting permission to bring his service dog into the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the driver refusing the request, then head-butting and punching Kobel, causing serious head injuries and rendering him unconscious.
Despite submitting medical records, police documentation, and images of his injuries, Uber swiftly deactivated Kobel’s ride-sharing account within 48 to 72 hours of the incident—leaving him stunned by the platform’s response.
Uliumdzhiev has since been arrested on charges of second-degree assault and battery. After posting bond, he was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody due to his undocumented status.
Kobel’s lawsuit argues that Uber failed in its duty to thoroughly vet drivers and protect its passengers. The company maintains that rider safety is a priority, though it has declined further comment due to ongoing legal action.