Product liability is the area of law that applies when a defective or dangerous product injures someone and they file a claim. Historically, when referring to consumer retail products, the law has largely applied to items purchased at brick and mortar stores. But as e-commerce purchases continue to grow – accounting for more than 13 percent of all retail sales in both 2020 and 2021 – more consumer injuries and lawsuits are stemming from items bought online.

The term “e-commerce lawsuit” has become a buzzword in recent years, with high-profile cases like Bolger vs. Amazon setting precedent in product liability law. Attorneys like CaseyGerry partner Jeremy Robinson have gone toe to toe with online retail giants that have tried to escape liability for selling products that have harmed people.

When any retailer neglectfully sells a dangerous product and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable. But how can a person tell if they have grounds for a lawsuit if they have been injured by an item they purchased online? Below, we offer some steps you can take if it happens to you.

What to do if you were injured by a product you bought online

With any injury, seek medical care right away. You may not realize at first how serious your injuries are, and they can get progressively worse in the coming days. A medical professional will perform the necessary tests to properly diagnose and treat your injuries. At the same time, the physician’s records can help show the extent of the harm done, should you file a personal injury claim later. It’s also helpful to take photos of your injuries.

After you’ve received all necessary immediate medical attention, try to take these additional steps regarding the defective item: 

• Take a screenshot of the product’s web page. 
• Note any negative reviews about the product or similar complaints and save them.
• Gather any correspondence you’ve had with the seller and distributor.

Then, contact an attorney with experience in e-commerce liability law. The team at CaseyGerry provides free initial consultations, where you’ll have an opportunity to discuss what happened and the next steps you might take to seek legal recourse. Not everyone has grounds for a lawsuit, but our attorney will review the facts of your case and assist however possible.

If you’ve been injured by a product you purchased online, we welcome you to call CaseyGerry  at (619) 238-1811 to speak with a member of our team.