Can You Sue Amazon For a Defective Product in Florida?

Amazon Defective Product Injury Attorneys in Miami, Florida

In Florida, we have strict product liability laws that empower consumers not only to sue the manufacturer or designer of a product but also every entity involved in the Stream of Commerce, including importers, retailers, or distributors. These laws exist to ensure that consumers are protected in cases of harm caused by defective products. So, how does this apply to Amazon, the largest online retailer in the United States?

This topic is important because when you purchase a product from Amazon, it often originates from an overseas manufacturer. In such cases, pursuing legal action against the foreign manufacturer in the United States can be challenging due to jurisdictional issues and other complexities. Consequently, the only viable avenue for seeking compensation might be by bringing a case against Amazon itself. However, Amazon has persistently argued that they are not subject to strict liability laws, claiming that they are merely a facilitator or an online platform.

If you or a loved one was injured by a product purchased on Amazon, contact our Florida product liability lawyers for a free consultation. Complete our online form or call 305-638-4143.

Loomis vs. Amazon

Currently, there are no Florida court decisions directly addressing this specific issue. However, various courts in different states have tackled Amazon’s argument. Notably, in 2021, the Loomis v. Amazon case in California saw the court rejecting Amazon’s stance and affirming that they are indeed subject to strict liability laws because they form an integral part of the Stream of Commerce. Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that different states may have varying interpretations of these laws, and some have been more restrictive in applying the rationale to Amazon.

What Do If Injured by a Defective Product Purchased on Amazon

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries or even lost a loved one due to a defective product purchased from Amazon, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. While the legal landscape surrounding Amazon’s liability may still be evolving, it’s always wise to consult a qualified attorney who specializes in product liability cases, especially one with expertise as a Miami product liability lawyer or defective product lawyer.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the complexities of product liability cases involving online retailers like Amazon. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with a free consultation to assess your situation and guide you on the best course of action. Your safety and rights as a consumer are important, and we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Amazon Product Injuries

Products sold on Amazon range from everyday household items to complex electronics and industrial tools—each carrying unique risks if poorly designed, manufactured, or labeled. Many consumers assume that because a product is widely sold online, it has passed necessary safety standards. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Our Amazon product injury lawyers have seen a wide range of injuries caused by defective or unsafe Amazon-purchased products, including:

• Exploding or overheating electronics – Lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters, laptops, or mobile devices can malfunction and cause serious burns or fires.
• Toxic children’s toys – Items made with harmful chemicals or choking hazards often evade U.S. safety standards when imported from overseas manufacturers.
• Defective kitchen appliances – Faulty pressure cookers, blenders, and toasters can explode or cause lacerations due to poor manufacturing or lack of safety warnings.
• Malfunctioning exercise equipment – Treadmills, resistance bands, or stationary bikes can lead to broken bones or head trauma if parts fail during use.
• Counterfeit or non-FDA-approved supplements – These may cause severe internal injuries, allergic reactions, or even wrongful death due to undisclosed ingredients.

If you’ve been harmed by one of these or another Amazon-sold product, it’s critical to preserve the product, take photographs of the injuries, and consult an experienced Amazon defective product lawyer immediately. Your case may require an investigation into the product’s origin, safety documentation, and chain of distribution—all of which are time-sensitive and legally complex.

Florida Product Liability Laws and Amazon’s Role

Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, strict liability may be imposed on parties involved in the design, manufacture, distribution, or sale of defective products that result in injury or death. This includes Amazon when it plays more than a passive role in the transaction—such as storing, packaging, shipping, or processing payments through its “Fulfilled by Amazon” (FBA) program.

When a consumer orders from an FBA seller, the product is often shipped from an Amazon warehouse, bearing Amazon branding and customer service. In these cases, Amazon may be indistinguishable from a traditional retailer and, as courts have increasingly recognized, may share legal responsibility for resulting injuries.

In addition to strict liability, Amazon may also face legal exposure under negligence, failure-to-warn, and breach of warranty theories. Our legal team investigates how Amazon was involved in the sale or distribution of the defective product and builds a strong case to establish liability under Florida law.

As Amazon continues to dominate the online marketplace, it’s more important than ever that injured consumers have access to legal representation that understands the evolving nature of digital product distribution. Our firm stays on the cutting edge of this area of law, helping clients across Florida fight for the compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue Amazon if I was injured by a product I bought on their website?

Possibly. While Amazon often claims it’s just a marketplace, courts in some states—especially when the product was “Fulfilled by Amazon”—have held Amazon liable under product liability laws. If Amazon had a role in storing, packaging, or shipping the product, they may be considered part of the chain of distribution under Florida law.

What qualifies as a defective product injury?

A defective product injury can result from design flaws, manufacturing errors, or a failure to include adequate warnings or instructions. If you were injured by a product due to any of these reasons—such as an exploding battery, malfunctioning appliance, or a toy with toxic materials—you may have a valid claim.

What should I do if I’ve been injured by a product purchased from Amazon?

Seek medical treatment immediately, preserve the product and packaging, take photos of your injuries and the product, and contact a lawyer experienced in Amazon product injury cases. Do not dispose of the product, as it will serve as important evidence.

Can I sue the manufacturer instead of Amazon?

Yes, and in some cases, you may be able to sue both. However, many Amazon products come from overseas manufacturers who may be difficult or impossible to serve with a lawsuit in the U.S. That’s why suing Amazon as a U.S.-based distributor may be your most viable legal option.

What damages can I recover in an Amazon defective product claim?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs. If the injury caused death, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.

Contact Our Amazon Defective Product Lawyers

The intersection of e-commerce giants like Amazon and product liability laws is an evolving area of law. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms to purchase goods, it becomes crucial to understand who can be held accountable when a product turns out to be defective. While courts in different states are grappling with the question of Amazon’s liability, your best course of action in the event of an injury caused by a defective product is to seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. 

While our main offices are located in Hollywood, FL and Coral Gables, FL, we accept clients throughout the entire State of Florida. We offer our legal services to clients throughout all of South Florida including Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Brickell, Hialeah, Aventura, Homestead, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and other areas. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases in Miami-Dade County including product liability, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and more. Our firm also handles personal injury cases in Broward County including car accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, and other incidents that lead to serious injuries.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance or have questions about product liability cases involving Amazon. Contact us online or call 305-638-4143 for a free consultation in English or Spanish.