Injured by a Defective Product Purchased on Amazon? Here’s What You Need to Know

Online marketplaces like Amazon have made it easier than ever to purchase virtually any product with just a few clicks. However, what many consumers don’t realize is that not all items sold on Amazon are backed by Amazon itself. In fact, the majority of products sold on the site come from third-party sellers — and if one of those products is defective and causes injury, it can be difficult to know who is legally responsible. At Impact Attorneys, we’re committed to helping victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve when injured by defective products, including those bought through Amazon.

Does Amazon Compensate Customers for Defective Products?

As of September 1, 2021, Amazon implemented a policy in which it will compensate customers who suffer injuries or property damage from defective products, including those sold by third-party sellers, for claims under $1,000. Amazon has stated that it will work with the seller and their insurance provider to resolve the claim. While this sounds like a step in the right direction, this process can still be complicated, and injured customers are strongly advised to consult an experienced product liability lawyer to ensure their rights are protected.

Before this policy was in place, customers were forced to deal directly with the seller — which often created challenges, especially when the seller was based overseas or unresponsive. Although Amazon has agreed to assist with smaller claims, many injury cases involve damages far exceeding $1,000. In those cases, it is crucial to involve legal counsel immediately to evaluate whether Amazon, the seller, or both can be held accountable.

How Does Amazon Try to Avoid Liability?

Amazon occupies a unique position in the retail world. Legally, it has claimed to be both a platform and not a store, acting merely as an intermediary between buyer and seller. This has allowed Amazon to argue in court that it is not liable for injuries caused by defective products sold on its site — particularly when those products come from third-party vendors. This hybrid “marketplace model” has helped Amazon avoid the legal liability that traditional retailers typically face, despite generating billions in sales from third-party transactions.

Third-party products sold on Amazon are often less regulated, less controlled, and sometimes less safe than those sold through traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Many customers do not realize when they are buying from a third-party seller because these products are still listed on Amazon’s platform and are shipped through Amazon’s fulfillment centers. While Amazon has tried to distance itself from liability, courts are increasingly scrutinizing this arrangement, especially when the company plays a key role in the chain of distribution.

Key Legal Cases Involving Amazon and Defective Products

Recent court cases have challenged Amazon’s position and raised serious questions about its legal responsibilities. One of the most prominent cases was Oberdorf v. Amazon (2020). In that case, a plaintiff was injured when a dog leash she purchased from a third-party Amazon seller snapped, hitting her in the face and causing permanent blindness in her left eye. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals found that Amazon could potentially be held liable because it was an integral part of the chain of distribution.

In another case, Bolger v. Amazon (2020), a woman was injured after purchasing a defective laptop battery that exploded. The California Court of Appeal concluded that Amazon could be liable under a strict liability theory because it facilitated the sale and was involved in placing the product into the stream of commerce — even though it was technically sold by a third party.

These legal decisions highlight a growing trend: courts are beginning to treat Amazon as more than just a passive platform and are considering whether it should bear responsibility for ensuring product safety.

Filing a Product Liability Claim in California: What You Need to Prove

To successfully file a product liability claim, you need to show that the product was defective, that the defect caused your injury, and that you suffered actual damages. In California, you don’t need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent. Instead, the law follows a strict liability standard. This means that if a product was unreasonably dangerous and caused injury during normal use, you may be entitled to compensation — regardless of whether the manufacturer or seller acted with care.

Common types of defective products include electronics that explode or catch fire, children’s toys that break and become choking hazards, kitchen appliances that malfunction, or industrial tools with insufficient warnings. Even something as simple as a defective charger can lead to serious injuries like burns or electrical shock.

Because these cases often involve international manufacturers, complex supply chains, and multiple defendants, working with a law firm experienced in product liability is critical to building a strong case.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Defective product injuries can be serious, sometimes life-altering. Victims may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and rehabilitation

• Lost income or wages due to time away from work

• Loss of future earning potential, especially in cases of permanent disability

• Property damage caused by fires, explosions, or malfunctions

• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma

• Loss of consortium (for spouses in certain cases)

If a defective product resulted in a fatal injury, surviving family members may also file a wrongful death claim seeking damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional loss.

Why You Should Hire a Product Liability Attorney for Amazon-Related Injuries

Going up against Amazon — or any major corporate seller — is not something you should attempt alone. These companies have legal teams and insurance providers whose goal is to deny or reduce your claim. At Impact Attorneys, our product liability team has extensive experience with complex product defect cases, including those involving third-party sellers on major online platforms.

We investigate every detail of your injury, determine whether Amazon or the third-party seller can be held liable, and fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. We also work with industry experts to analyze defective products and identify exactly how they failed and who is responsible.

Best of all, we work on a contingency basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Injured by a Defective Product Purchased on Amazon? Contact Impact Attorneys Today.

If you were harmed by a product you bought through Amazon, especially from a third-party seller, you may be entitled to compensation. Navigating these cases requires legal experience and an understanding of how online marketplaces operate. Impact Attorneys is ready to help.

📞 Call 818-350-2349 or contact us online today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we win.
We proudly serve clients across Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.