Amazon settlement resolves lithium-ion battery explosion claims

Update: 

• Amazon settled claims it sold defective lithium-ion batteries prone to explosions.
• An order announcing the settlement agreement was filed in a Washington federal court on Jan. 17. 
• As a result of the settlement, a judge dismissed the claims brought by consumers Craig Crosby and Christopher Johnson with prejudice, the court filing states. 
• The settlement ends claims that Amazon sold lithium-ion batteries that did not have the advertised energy capacity and are prone to overheating, catching fire and exploding. 

Amazon defective batteries class action lawsuit overview: 

• Who: A judge rejected Amazon.com Inc.’s request to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by Craig Crosby and Christopher Johnson.
• Why: Crosby and Johnson claim Amazon sells defective lithium-ion batteries that are prone to overheating and exploding.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Washington federal court.

(Dec. 9, 2021)

A federal judge in Washington denied Amazon.com Inc.’s motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging it sells defective lithium-ion batteries.

The company had argued the complaint failed to meet necessary pleading standards and that plaintiffs did not adequately claim the nature of the alleged deception and who was responsible for it. 

The judge overseeing the case, meanwhile, ruled the plaintiffs, Craig Crosby and Christopher Johnson, had adequately alleged how they had been deceived by Amazon. 

“Having thoroughly considered the parties’ briefing and the relevant record, the Court finds oral argument unnecessary and hereby DENIES the motion,” the judge wrote.

Crosby and Johnson claim Amazon sells lithium-ion batteries that do not have their advertised energy capacity and are prone to overheating and exploding. 

The company is aware of the defective nature of their lithium-ion batteries but conceals it from consumers while continuing to sell them, Crosby and Johnson further allege. 

Judge dismisses claims that plaintiffs did not allege actual injury

The judge also denied Amazon’s arguments that Crosby and Johnson did not allege an actual injury since they bought the batteries for the purpose of filing the complaint, ruling it would be improper to to speculate on their motives at this point.

Amazon also argued that the proposed class was too broad; however, the judge determined that, while a “significant portion” likely lacks standing, the issue would be better discussed during class certification. 

Crosby and Johnson are seeking to represent a class of consumers who bought the affected lithium-ion batteries from Amazon between May 2021 and class certification. 

The company filed to dismiss a separate class action lawsuit last month over allegations from Chinese retailers claiming the company is unfairly holding their money after they were banned from the platform for allegedly paying for fake reviews. 

Have you purchased defective lithium-ion batteries from Amazon.com? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiffs are represented by  Karin B. Swope, Niall P. McCarthy and Bethany M. Hill of Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP. 

The Amazon defective batteries class action lawsuit is Crosby, et al. v. Amazon.com Inc., Case No. 2:21-cv-01083, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

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