Tech giant Amazon has been pressed in recent months via a federal lawsuit from the Consumer Protection Agency to address the multiple claims of harm from using certain products they advertise and distribute for some manufacturers. Some of the claims filed were from California customers. The company not only fills orders for the manufacturers when customers request items, they actually store the products as well. This has been a central component of how they conduct business, and the company decided to modify their policy of “no liability” for what they sell.
The $1000 claim cap
Amazon modified its exemption policy to now cover defective product damages up to $1000 for reimbursement regarding the effective use of products they sell. According to the company, 80% of their sales are for products valued at $1000 or less. While this is a step in the right direction, the real product defects liability issue will be coverage for the medical bills or even wrongful deaths of those who are seriously or fatally injured.
Filing an Amazon product claim
Product liability claims differ from other personal injury claims in that the plaintiff need not prove negligence on the part of the manufacturer, and sometimes even the sales outlet. The primary establishment of a claim is proving purchase in a time-stamped environment and providing medical evidence of the injury per usage of the purchased product. While manufacturers could be liable for the most part, the company is hoping this will be an adequate defense when they are involved in personal injury claims that California defective products attorneys file for their injured clients.
It is important to note that this is still an unfolding situation. While it may encourage frivolous claims, the real problems will be with those who are seriously injured by products they purchase from the online giant.
