News Update:
An online seller from Shanghai, China, known as “Vevor”, has come under scrutiny for tools sold on Amazon being linked to two fatalities and one serious injury. The number of related lawsuits has significantly increased, totaling 1430 cases.
According to a report by the New York Post on Wednesday, June 4, 2024, Jacob Todd from California tragically passed away at the age of 30, leaving behind three children, after the car jack he purchased from Vevor broke while in use on March 25, 2024. His family filed a lawsuit in January of this year.
In February 2025, James Ryan Stokes, a truck driver from Alabama, met a fatal accident when the chain hoist he bought from Vevor snapped while in use, resulting in a fatal neck fracture. He is survived by his wife and six children, and his family has also taken legal action.
Colby Lord, a resident of Texas, recently suffered severe fractures after falling 40 feet due to a broken safety belt purchased from Vevor. His lawyer has initiated legal proceedings in response to the incident.
The non-profit organization, Better Business Bureau (BBB), revealed that complaints related to products sold by Chinese seller Vevor have accumulated to 1430. Previously, the seller was also reported for suspected fake reviews.
Data provided by legal analytics company Lex Machina shows that product liability lawsuits against Amazon have doubled from 2020 to 2024, reaching a total of 84 cases.
In a ruling by a California court in 2020, Amazon was found liable in a case where Angela Bolger was injured due to a battery explosion from a product purchased from a Chinese seller.
Keith Hylton, a law professor at Boston University, sees this case as setting a favorable precedent for future plaintiffs, implying that more similar judgments may arise across different jurisdictions.
The lawyer representing the Chinese business Vevor, Alan Tan, has denied the allegations. He told the New York Post that a 3% return rate proves the quality of their products.
As of May 28, Vevor products related to the incidents are still being sold on Amazon.