Allstate Loses Subrogation Suit Against Amazon Over Product Liability

A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that Amazon.com can’t be held liable as the seller of a laptop battery that allegedly caught fire and destroyed the customer’s home. In a suit brought by Allstate to recoup its losses from the fire, the judge found that Amazon can’t be considered a seller of the product under the New Jersey Product Liability Act because the company’s involvement in the sale was minimal. According to the decision, the customer ordered the battery from Amazon’s website, and Amazon’s name appeared on her credit card statement for the $12 purchase.