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people injured from product?

by colan
6 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
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If im selling products from a supplier, what happends if people or animals get injured from the product im selling?
Can I get in trouble or is it the suppliers responsible?
#injured #people #product
  • Profile picture of the author KenW3
    Originally Posted by colan View Post

    If im selling products from a supplier, what happends if people or animals get injured from the product im selling?
    Can I get in trouble or is it the suppliers responsible?
    Online retailers should carry liability insurance. You don't say what country you are in, but I'm in the US and have both general liability and cyber liability. It is not expensive. (I'm not an attorney and some products are riskier to sell than others, so consulting an attorney and discussing this with your insurance rep is a good idea.)

    Here's a short overview
    Online Retail Small Business Insurance

    If a customer is hurt using a (physical) product and hires an attorney, the lawsuit is not just against the manufacturer. A law firm typically will include everyone in the supply chain, every business who handled (and profited from) the product sold. This includes manufacturer's reps, wholesalers, distributors, retailers.

    If a person (or company) is hurt from advice, such as investment guides or consultation on how to build or buy businesses, that is a different type of coverage. Insurance for lawsuits trying to recover damages caused from applying instructions or advice (that was sold for profit) is typically covered by Errors and Omissions insurance.
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  • Profile picture of the author ZanyZebra
    Originally Posted by colan View Post

    If im selling products from a supplier, what happends if people or animals get injured from the product im selling?
    Can I get in trouble or is it the suppliers responsible?
    Both.

    You as the retailer, and the supplier as the originating source, are jointly liable.

    Good luck with your venture.
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  • Profile picture of the author phnick
    The injured party can bring suite to whomever they wish. They may focus on the manufacturer if they have deeper pockets. But if the product can cause injury I would get legal help in drafting solid T&C for your website.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    If a customer is hurt using a (physical) product and hires an attorney, the lawsuit is not just against the manufacturer. A law firm typically will include everyone in the supply chain, every business who handled (and profited from) the product sold. This includes manufacturer's reps, wholesalers, distributors, retailers.
    ^^^^^^^^
    Yep ... this. If they get a lawyer involved, they'll sue everybody and his uncle.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chukwuemeka Ikoro
    Yes, you can get into trouble. That is why you should choose your products carefully.
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  • Profile picture of the author violet0176
    Register as an LLC when you're selling products that could pose risk or lawsuits. LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a legal judgment against your business.
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