The coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the United States has led to an increase in online shopping. Online retailers like Amazon are seeing an increase in demand and are working to ensure that everything we order gets to us on time. However, what happens if you or a loved one are harmed due to a faulty product ordered from Amazon? Now, more than ever, we need to be focused on who is liable for these incidents. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally-recognized product liability attorneys want to discuss this with you today.
How Is Shopping Changing?
The majority of people in the United States are under some sort of stay at home order due to measures to combat COVID-19. These measures are necessary to stop the spread of this virus. However, stay at home orders has also altered the way many people shop. While grocery stores and pharmacies remain open, many places that are considered non-essential have shut down. Many Americans have shifted their shopping to online retailers.
To be sure, online shopping has been on the rise for decades, but even people who were only sporadic online shoppers before are now becoming full-time online shoppers. Unfortunately, consumers who are harmed by a faulty product they ordered online may not have much protection when it comes to securing compensation for their injuries.
Amazon has faced many lawsuits regarding liability for defective products sold on their platform. The online giant has maintained that they take no responsibility for flawed or defective items sold, saying that they are simply a third-party seller. Courts have largely sided with Amazon in product liability cases. However, the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit was the first court to reject Amazon’s claims that they cannot be considered liable for injuries caused by the products they sell.
Since the ruling on that case, other courts are beginning to say that Amazon can be considered a seller of products, not a mere broker or facilitator of transactions. This will affect all online retailers, not just Amazon. A full Third Circuit decision is slated to be released later this year.
This could be a big deal because many people injured due to defective products sold on Amazon are unable to properly pursue compensation against the actual seller of the product.
We Will Help You Through This
If you or somebody you care about has been injured after using or consuming a defective product, seek legal assistance from a nationally recognized law firm. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they need after an incident like this, which can include:
- Cost of current and future medical bills
- Recovery of income lost if a victim cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against a company or manufacturer
If you need a product liability attorney in Florida or anywhere in the United States, we are ready to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
