Consumers trust product providers, and they should! Product providers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide consumers with products that are safe to use. Now more than ever this matter is important, as e-commerce and online sales skyrocket due to the extreme convenience and variety they allow. Do the same legal responsibilities apply to these online platforms?
Consider this recent example. Jaroslawicz & Jaros has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court against Amazon highlighting the serious risks posed by defectively manufactured goods. The case, involving our client, a New York teenager who lost vision in one eye after using a laser pointer purchased on Amazon, underscores the urgent need for accountability in digital commerce.
About The Case: Teen Suffers Permanent Eye Damage
Our firm represents the family of a 16-year-old boy who suffered permanent blindness in his left eye after activating a “High Power Blue Pointer” laser purchased from Amazon. The laser, manufactured by Cofeymera and advertised for its ability to ignite matches and light cigarettes, allegedly emitted a dangerously strong beam. Within moments of powering it on, the laser passed across the teen’s eye, burning his retina. Our Attorney, David Jaroslawicz, made comments about the case in a recent article in the New York Post, saying:
“There’s no testing done on these products from China… The consumer assumes that they’re buying it directly from Amazon, which gives credibility to these merchants selling goods from China… And now this 16-year-old’s lost vision in his eye.”
The laser pointer has since become unavailable on Amazon’s platform. We argue that Amazon should be held liable for enabling the sale of a hazardous and poorly labeled product to consumers.
Product Liability and The Responsibility of Multiple Parties
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and sellers bear when a product causes harm due to a defect. There are three primary types of product defects:
- Design defects — inherent flaws in the product’s design that make it unsafe.
- Manufacturing defects — errors that occur during production or assembly.
- Marketing defects — insufficient instructions or warnings about the product’s use.
Under product liability law, any party involved in the distribution chain of a defective product—including large e-commerce platforms—may be held accountable if their negligence contributed to a consumer’s injury.
Traditionally, liability in defective product cases rested with the manufacturer or retailer. However, the digital marketplace has complicated that model. While Amazon frequently argues that it merely facilitates third-party sales, courts have increasingly considered whether the company can be treated as a “seller” under product liability laws, particularly when it plays a role in storing, advertising, and shipping defective items.
Contact a New York Product Liability Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured by a product, you may be wondering where to turn. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, we have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered injuries due to dangerous and defective products. Our team understands the complexity of holding multinational corporations accountable. We understand the importance of listening, understanding, and taking action on your behalf.
This case serves as a reminder that not all products sold online are safe—and that trusted platforms like Amazon could play a role in consumer harm when they fail to prevent the sale of dangerous goods. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, it is essential to speak with an experienced attorney who can guide you through your legal options.
Contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros today for a free consultation. We are here to help you.
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