Appeals court addresses Amazon defective product lawsuit

Saturday August 3, 2019

Over the last couple of decades, online companies have radically changed the way consumers purchased products. Amazon, the internet retail giant, is one the biggest companies providing countless products of nearly every type to people across the globe. Residents of Connecticut and elsewhere may wonder who is liable for injuries resulting from a product that was purchased on Amazon. A recent appeals court decision may challenge the way these unique cases are handled.

Traditionally, the manufacturer or seller of a defective product is held responsible for adverse events regarding the product. However, about half of the products listed on Amazon are from third-party companies. What happens if the injured party is unable to reach the owners of a third-party company that listed its items in an online store?

In 2016, a woman who claimed to have been blinded by a defective dog leash she purchased on Amazon from a third-party company, the Furry Gang, sued Amazon. Reuters reported that two federal appeals courts had previously ruled that Amazon is not liable for products sold by third-party vendors. However, the 3rd U.S. Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, overturned the prior decisions and stated that when injured consumers have no direct recourse to third-party vendors, Amazon may be partly liable. Neither the injured woman nor Amazon were able to locate anyone from the Furry Gang, which has been inactive on Amazon since 2016.

Although the full outcome of this case remains to be seen, the appeals court decision may set a precedent for how litigation involving online retailers and third-party companies is handled.

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023

KJSR Attorney Stephanie Roberge Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024
Insights

KJSR Attorney Stephanie Roberge Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024

12

September
2023

KJSR Attorney John Kennedy Jr. Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024
News

KJSR Attorney John Kennedy Jr. Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024

8

September
2023

News

Six KJSR Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers® Award Recipients: 2024

21

August
2023

What To Look for in a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Articles

What To Look for in a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

18

August
2023

How to Know Who Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident
Insights

How to Know Who Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident

11

August
2023

Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit: What To Know Before Filing
Articles

Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit: What To Know Before Filing

7

July
2023

How To Choose a Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyer
Articles

How To Choose a Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyer

5

July
2023