Charleston SC, August 21, 2025
News Summary
A Charleston resident, Bryan Kobel, has filed a lawsuit against Uber and its driver following an assault involving his service dog. The incident occurred after Kobel ordered an Uber from Maison restaurant, where the driver refused to allow the service dog into the vehicle. This confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in Kobel being knocked unconscious. The lawsuit claims Uber’s failure to properly screen drivers contributed to the incident, highlighting ongoing concerns about rider safety.
Charleston, SC – A Charleston resident has filed a lawsuit against Uber and one of its drivers following a violent incident involving the man’s licensed service dog. Bryan Kobel, the CEO of TC BioPharm, claims he was assaulted by driver Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev on April 24, 2025. The lawsuit, filed on August 18, 2025, seeks to hold Uber accountable for what Kobel describes as a serious failure in driver screening and safety measures.
The incident occurred outside Maison restaurant located on Upper King Street, where Kobel was dining with his girlfriend. After they ordered an Uber to leave the restaurant, Uliumdzhiev confronted them, refusing to allow Kobel’s service dog into the vehicle. Following this confrontation, Kobel was reportedly punched and headbutted, resulting in a blow that knocked him unconscious and caused a concussion, according to legal documents.
Witnesses at the scene called emergency services as Uliumdzhiev fled before authorities arrived. Law enforcement identified and arrested him on May 8, 2025, charging him with second-degree assault and battery. During his arrest, it was discovered that Uliumdzhiev was allegedly in the U.S. illegally and was using a fake driver’s license, adding further complexity to the case.
In an unexpected turn, Kobel’s Uber account was deactivated after he attempted to file complaints regarding the altercation, as stated by his attorney, Kenneth Berger. The lawsuit alleges Uber is liable for the assault due to its inadequate safety protocols and improper screening of drivers, highlighting a significant concern regarding rider safety.
This incident is not an isolated case. There are nearly a dozen other lawsuits currently pending against Uber in Charleston County, with allegations ranging from similar safety concerns to issues relating to driver behavior. The allegations raise broader questions about Uber’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of its passengers.
Uliumdzhiev is currently an inmate at a federal ICE processing center in Georgia and awaits further court hearings related to both the assault charges and his immigration status. Surveillance footage from the incident reportedly corroborates Kobel’s claims, showing Uliumdzhiev delivering a headbutt followed by a punch that knocked the victim down.
Kobel’s attorney has mentioned hopes that this lawsuit will prompt meaningful changes within Uber, particularly in their driver screening processes and overall safety practices. In response to the ongoing litigation, Uber issued a statement reiterating its commitment to passenger safety, but did not provide specifics about the incident or the lawsuit.
The outcome of this legal battle may have implications not only for Kobel but also for future Uber policies regarding how it screens and manages its drivers, as safety remains a pivotal issue for users of rideshare services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by Bryan Kobel against Uber?
- Kobel is suing Uber and his driver for assault following an incident involving his service dog, claiming that Uber failed to screen drivers properly and ensure safety measures were in place.
- What happened during the incident involving Kobel and the Uber driver?
- The incident escalated when the driver refused to allow Kobel’s service dog into the vehicle, leading to a physical altercation that resulted in Kobel being knocked unconscious.
- What were the results of the driver’s arrest?
- The driver, Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev, was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and battery and is currently facing additional scrutiny over his immigration status due to alleged illegal presence in the U.S.
- How has Uber responded to the incident?
- While Uber has not commented specifically on the lawsuit, they issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to passenger safety.
- Are there any other lawsuits against Uber in Charleston?
- Yes, there are nearly a dozen other pending lawsuits against Uber within Charleston County related to various claims, indicating a growing concern regarding rider safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Filed | August 18, 2025 |
| Date of Incident | April 24, 2025 |
| Location | Maison, Upper King Street |
| Driver’s Name | Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev |
| Assault Charges | Second-degree assault and battery |
| Injury to Victim | Concussion, knocked unconscious |
| Other Lawsuits | Nearly a dozen pending in Charleston County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nancy Mace Announces Candidacy for Governor of South Carolina
Nancy Mace to Announce Potential Gubernatorial Run
Legal Turmoil: Lawyer Representation in Fat Joe’s Case
Oakland County Lawyer McDonald Announces Attorney General Bid
Newark Mayor Files Lawsuit Against Federal Officials for Malicious Prosecution
Newark Mayor Files Lawsuit Against Federal Lawyer Over Arrest
Federal Charges Dismissed for Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka
Thomas Ravenel Withdraws from South Carolina Gubernatorial Race
Thomas Ravenel Withdraws from 2026 Gubernatorial Race
Thomas Ravenel Withdraws from Governor Race in South Carolina
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
