Online shopping offers incredible convenience. With a few clicks, you can have almost any product imaginable delivered to your door. We trust that these products, whether sold by a familiar brand or a small third-party seller on a huge marketplace, are safe. But what happens when that trust is broken? What happens when a defective product bought on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay causes a serious injury? This question is at the heart of a complex and evolving legal battle over Online Retailer Product Liability.
For years, massive online marketplaces have tried to avoid responsibility for defective products sold by third parties on their sites. However, California courts are leading the nation in holding these giants accountable. This article explains how liability for defective online products works and what your rights are if you’ve been injured.
The Traditional “Chain of Distribution” in Product Liability
First, it helps to understand standard product liability law. In California, if a defective product injures a consumer, the law allows the victim to seek compensation from anyone in the product’s “chain of distribution.” This chain includes every entity that makes the product available to the consumer:
- The manufacturer who designed and built the product.
- The distributor who transported the product.
- The retailer who sold the product directly to the customer.
Under the principle of “strict liability,” an injured person generally does not have to prove these entities were negligent. They only need to show that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury.
The Amazon Argument: “We’re Just a Platform”
For years, online marketplaces like Amazon successfully argued that they were not part of this chain of distribution. Their legal argument was that they are not the “seller” of products offered by third-party vendors. Instead, they claimed to be merely a service provider—a neutral platform that connects sellers with buyers, like a digital flea market or a classified ad service.
This argument often worked. It allowed Amazon and similar companies to avoid liability, leaving victims with the difficult, and often impossible, task of trying to sue a small, unknown third-party seller who might be located in another country. For many injured consumers, this meant they had no practical way to get justice.
California’s Landmark Ruling: Bolger v. Amazon
A groundbreaking California court case changed this dynamic. In Bolger v. Amazon.com, LLC (2020), a woman was severely burned when a replacement laptop battery she bought on Amazon from a third-party seller caught fire. Amazon used its usual “we’re not the seller” defense.
However, the California Court of Appeals disagreed. The court looked at the huge role Amazon played in the transaction. It noted that Amazon:
- Stored the product in its own warehouse.
- Took the order and processed the payment from the customer.
- Packaged and shipped the product in Amazon-branded packaging.
- Was the only entity the customer had any contact with.
The court concluded that Amazon was a “pivotal” part of the process that brought the defective product to the consumer. Therefore, the court ruled that Amazon could be held strictly liable for the victim’s injuries, just like a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer would be. This was a massive development in Online Retailer Product Liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable Besides the Online Retailer?
Even with the Bolger ruling, it’s important to remember that the online marketplace is not the only potentially liable party. A Personal Injury lawsuit can still, and often should, include claims against:
- The Third-Party Seller: The company or individual who listed the product for sale is still a part of the distribution chain.
- The Manufacturer: The original manufacturer of the defective product remains liable for putting a dangerous item into the market.
The challenge, as mentioned, is that these parties can be difficult to identify and sue, especially if they are based overseas. This is why the ability to hold the major online retailer accountable in California is such a critical protection for consumers.
What to Do if an Online Product Injures You
If you are harmed by a product you bought online, taking these steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority.
- Preserve the Defective Product: Do not throw the product away! It is the most important piece of evidence in your case. You should also keep all packaging, instructions, and receipts.
- Take Screenshots: Go back to the product listing where you bought the item and take screenshots of the listing, the seller’s name, and any reviews. This information can disappear quickly.
- Document Your Injuries: Take clear photos of your injuries over time to show their severity and the healing process.
- Consult an Attorney: Product liability cases are complex. You should speak with an attorney who understands Online Retailer Product Liability before speaking with any company representatives or insurance adjusters.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we believe that consumers should be safe from dangerous products, no matter where they buy them. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex Personal Injury cases, including those involving product liability.
We understand the evolving legal landscape and the precedent set by cases like Bolger v. Amazon. Our team knows how to investigate these claims to identify all liable parties, from the third-party seller to the massive online retailer. We fight to hold these powerful corporations accountable and to secure the full compensation our clients deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a defective product you bought online has injured you, please Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation.
Conclusion
The convenience of online shopping is undeniable, but it should not come at the cost of consumer safety. While massive online retailers have long tried to shield themselves from responsibility, California courts are leading the way in applying product liability laws to these modern marketplaces. The law is evolving to recognize that when a company like Amazon controls every step of a sale, it shares in the responsibility for the safety of the products it delivers to your door. If you are a victim, know that the issue of Online Retailer Product Liability is on your side, and you have legal options.