Amazon asked to investigate after product explosions

Members of the House of Representatives have asked Amazon to investigate products that may pose a danger to consumers and to issue recalls of these items. The request came in response to reports of dozens of AmazonBasics products exploding and catching fire. Reporters have found that more than 1,500 complaints have been made by consumers in Louisiana and across the world about more than 70 different products offered by Amazon.

Politicians have said that Amazon is liable for its own products and has failed to ensure that they are safe for consumers to use. The products in question range from an AmazonBasics microwave to AmazonBasics USB cords. House members said that Amazon is responsible for investigating all claims of their products that could be dangerous, which includes their own brand.

Amazon has been in the news lately for allegedly operating as a monopoly. This is because Amazon operates both as a seller and marker operator in the same place where it sells its goods. House members listed Amazon in its October 2020 antitrust report because of this alleged monopoly. Amazon offers more than 12 million products in its online store from sellers around the world and will continue to grow in the next few years.

Manufacturers or sellers who offer goods are responsible for ensuring that their products meet safety standards and do not pose a risk to consumers. This obligation is referred to as product liability. When a consumer becomes injured from using a product, he or she may be able to file a claim against the seller or manufacturer. In this case, someone who got burned after using an AmazonBasics cord may need to seek medical help and take time off of work while he or she heals. A lawyer may file a civil suit on behalf of the injured party against Amazon. If it’s proven that Amazon behaved negligently in offering the product, a settlement may be issued.