The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating Amazon-branded electronic products highlighted in a CNN investigation last year. CNN reported that dozens of Amazon Basics electronic products remained for sale on Amazon.com, despite consumers saying that they had melted, exploded, or burst into flames. Lawmakers have called on the company to investigate the matter and recall any defective products sold on the platform that pose a danger to consumers.
Now, CNN is reporting that the CPSC is reviewing at least eight of the items highlighted in CNN’s investigation. Among these products are surge protectors, phone charging cords, a patio heater, a battery charger, and a voice-activated microwave that consumers reported had caught fire. The CPSC has not said how many of these products are under review or what safety concerns are being investigated. CPSC also rejected CNN’s request for records about the Amazon Basics products, citing the pending investigations.
No Recalls or Customer Notifications from Amazon
One customer, who told CNN last year that his surge protector had turned into what resembled a “blowtorch” and started a fire in his home, confirmed to CNN that the CPSC contacted him for the first time in February to learn about his experience. The consumer posted a review about the 2018 fire and received a $500 payment to cover damage to his home as part of a settlement in which Amazon denied any liability.
CNN found that Amazon continued to sell the same surge protector for nearly two years after the incident, even though 40 other customers had also reported that the product posed a fire hazard and had damaged their homes or belongings. While Amazon pulled the surge protectors from its site in 2019, it didn’t notify customers about the dangers. They also posted nothing about why that product was pulled on their website.
Product Liability Issues with Amazon
Product manufacturers are responsible for making and putting items in the marketplace that are safe for consumers to use. Based on CNN’s reporting, it appears that Amazon has been putting products in its online marketplace that many consumers have reported are dangerous.
If a dangerous and defective product has injured you or a loved one, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer and other potential parties. Amazon, as an online retailer, has the responsibility to sell products that are safe and recall dangerous products. An experienced product defect lawyer can help victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/14/business/amazonbasics-cpsc-investigation-invs/index.html
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.