Washington Supreme Court Rules: Amazon Liable for Sodium Nitrite Suicides Lawsuits
The Washington Supreme Court has delivered a decisive ruling, allowing families to pursue negligence lawsuits against Amazon. These lawsuits stem from tragic cases in which relatives died by suicide after consuming sodium nitrite purchased through the retailer’s website.
Supreme Court Ruling Overview
On February 19, the court ruled unanimously, stating that Amazon must be held accountable. This ruling counteracts a previous decision from an appeals court which argued that suicides were a superseding cause that exempted Amazon from liability.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
Justice G. Helen Whitener articulated that Amazon bears a responsibility to exercise due care. According to her, the retailer must prevent harm from third parties’ foreseeable actions. The case now requires a jury’s assessment to determine if Amazon’s alleged negligence was a contributing factor to the suicides.
Details of the Cases
- Families involved lost relatives aged 17 to 27.
- Victims consumed sodium nitrite with purities of 98% to 99.6% in 2020 and 2021.
- A total of 28 families have joined the lawsuits, labeling products like sodium nitrite as “suicide kits.”
Families’ Claims
The lawsuits allege that Amazon was aware of the dangers associated with sodium nitrite. Families claim the company continued to allow sales without restrictions, jeopardizing customer safety. They seek damages under Washington state’s product liability laws.
Amazon’s Stance
In response, Amazon expressed its disagreement with the ruling. The company reiterated its commitment to customer safety and extended condolences to affected families. Amazon highlighted that sodium nitrite, particularly in high concentrations, is often misused, although it is legally used as a food preservative in various products.
Changes to Sales Policy
Following these incidents, Amazon has enacted a policy to restrict the sale of sodium nitrite with purity levels exceeding 10%. The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the growing scrutiny faced by online retail platforms regarding third-party sales.
The case illustrates the complexities of e-commerce liability, particularly as it pertains to products sold by independent vendors. As the legal battle continues, the outcomes may have far-reaching implications for consumer safety and the responsibilities of major online retailers.
