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The on-demand provider allegedly failed to properly background check a driver who reportedly stabbed a customer while on the job.

A Stabbing

The owner of a restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada was allegedly stabbed by a DoorDash driver. Fabio Coppola says he knocked on the driver’s window to let him know that his order was ready for pickup. Allegedly, the driver became agitated and stabbed Copolla without provocation.

Copolla filed a negligent hiring lawsuit against the on-demand service provider following this incident. It stated that DoorDash hired someone who is a “felon with a history of violence and mental illness.”

The Lawsuit

Richard Schonfeld is the attorney representing Copolla. Schonfeld believes DoorDash is guilty of not performing due diligence and failing to thoroughly background screen people who are allowed to represent their brand as drivers. He stated: “DoorDash’s flawed background check policy almost cost Mr. Coppola his life.”

Following the stabbing, the driver was arrested and held on charges of attempted murder. According to a report filed by a Los Angeles based news agency, the driver has a serious criminal history. It includes previous convictions for attempted robbery, forgery, and drug conspiracy. Their article further stated that, due to his record, the driver had also been required to undergo a mental health evaluation.

A person with this history, the lawsuit alleged, should not be eligible to drive for DoorDash.

DoorDash Reacts

After news of this story broke, DoorDash officially dismissed this driver. The company released a statement that said: “We sincerely regret that this incident fell short of the experience we strive to give our customers every day.”

The lawsuit against DoorDash is based on a claim of negligent hiring. This concept allows consumers to sue businesses if there is a reason to believe an employer hired someone who may be deemed a risk, dishonest or unqualified. Several other well-known on-demand service providers have also faced lawsuits for negligent hiring allegations.

The Importance Of Thorough Background Screening

DoorDash reportedly does background screen the people they bring on as employees and contractors. However, background checks are highly customizable tools that can be tailored for everything from entry-level jobs to positions that involve working with vulnerable populations.

If a thorough background investigation would have been conducted, it could have returned data about convictions held by the driver. If only a minimal background report was acquired, it may not have included all the details hiring managers needed to make an informed decision.

It is essential for every employer to perform due diligence by running comprehensive background check packages that include county, state and additional criminal searches. These reports show employers if a candidate has a serious criminal history that might make them a danger to other employees and the public. Hiring someone with a violent criminal past could make your organization vulnerable to charges like negligent hiring.

Before you make any hiring decision, run a background check to obtain the information you need to create a safe work environment. The team at Backgrounds Online can help you customize background screening packages that are ideal for any position in your industry. Contact us for expert assistance Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.