Injured Amazon shoppers may now be eligible to seek payment for losses they sustain because of defective goods sold by outside vendors on the company’s U.S. platform.
Up to $1,000.00 for “Valid Claims”
The company announced its new policy for reimbursing injured Amazon shoppers on Aug. 10, 2021. Starting on Sept. 1, Amazon will begin paying “valid claims” of up to $1,000.00 for injuries or property damage that shoppers sustain as the result of defective products purchased from outside sellers on its U.S. website. These claims would represent more than 80 percent of such cases on Amazon.com.
Amazon’s coverage would come at no cost to outside sellers. The company also stated that it might provide additional assistance if third-party vendors are unresponsive either to injured Amazon shoppers or to those who have incurred property damage.
Additionally, the company announced an updated policy requiring more outside sellers to obtain product liability insurance, along with Amazon Insurance Accelerator, a network of insurance carriers that merchants may access. However, Amazon is not providing this insurance itself.
Limiting Suits from Injured Amazon Shoppers?
Analysts note that Amazon’s new policy is a deliberate attempt to limit lawsuits from personal injury attorneys acting on behalf of its customers.
Economically impaired or physically injured Amazon shoppers have been suing the company for years. These plaintiffs argue that Amazon is liable when a merchant sells defective products on its website that inflict personal harm or property damage. In 2016, for example, a Pennsylvania woman filed suit against Amazon because an outside seller’s retractable dog leash blinded her eye when it snapped back.
For its part, Amazon continues to maintain that outside sellers are solely responsible for any injuries or damages that their products inflict. Historically, most courts have decided in Amazon’s favor. In 2020, however, a state appellate court in California ruled that the company could be liable for products that it stores and ships through its Fulfillment by Amazon program.
Currently, more than 50 percent of sales on Amazon.com come from third-party vendors.
Representing the Victims of Defective Products
Regardless of where the public purchases them, defective products take a heavy physical and economic toll on the United States each year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that faulty goods are responsible for an estimated 29.4 million injuries and 21,400 deaths annually, inflicting a national cost of approximately $700 billion in physical harm, fatalities, and property damage.
But if you have been seriously injured by a defective product, you might be able to recover financial compensation from those responsible. To help maximize the amount of this recovery, reach out to the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With over $2 billion obtained in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of the leading Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Because of this impressive record of success, our personal injury attorneys inspire respect – and fear – from insurance companies and defense lawyers throughout the state. GWC has the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation you need to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Please contact GWC today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation with a personal injury attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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