While rare, it’s possible to order a product on Amazon that is defective. If a product is defective, it could cause injuries to the user. If you have ordered a defective product on Amazon and need to issue a return or file a claim, particularly in the event that the product causes property damage or personal injury, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help. This area of law is called product liability law. Here’s what you should know about Amazon returns for a defective product—
Amazon Direct Pay for Customers
According to an announcement published by Amazon in August of 2021, Amazon will now directly pay customers for claims up to $1,000 in the event that a defective product sold through Amazon causes personal injury or property damage to the customer. These claims will be paid by Amazon at no cost to the seller.
Additionally, Amazon is also playing an integral role in facilitating the “resolution of property damage and personal injury claims between the customer, the seller, and their insurance provider.”
Note that Amazon’s policy will only pay for claims under $1,000. For those who have been injured by a defective product, damages may be much more than that.
What Other Options Exist?
If you have been harmed by a defective product, $1,000 may be a drop in a very large bucket of costs and damages you have accrued. When a product has a manufacturing, design, or labeling defect and the defect is the proximate cause of a consumer’s injuries, the consumer has a right to pursue damages. Through a claim, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages if you can prove:
- The product in question was defective
- The defect was the source of your injuries
- You were using the product as intended
You can bring forth a claim against the manufacturer of the product, the distributor of the product, or anyone else in the supply chain who knew or should have known of the defect yet distributed the product regardless of who was responsible for the defect.
Note that if you purchased the defective product on Amazon, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against Amazon. Before you file a claim with Amazon for up to $1,000, you should speak directly with an attorney about your options. In April 2021, an appellate court in California ruled that Amazon can be held liable for defective products from third-party sellers. In the case in question, the court found that Amazon could be held strictly liable for damages as it is a direct link between buyers and sellers.
Call Our Law Firm Today if You’ve Been Injured
If you have sustained injuries from a defective product purchased on Amazon or elsewhere, call our experienced defective product attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. You can reach out to us by phone or online to learn more about your options and how we can help. Consultations are offered at no cost.