Amazon Death Lawsuit Draws Request for Louisiana Top Court Help

Louisiana’s top court was asked for guidance that will determine whether Amazon.com Inc. is subject to liability for a man’s death from a house fire allegedly caused by a defective battery charger sold online.

Given the importance of this issue in the modern marketplace and its likelihood of recurrence, a Louisiana federal district court asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to interpret state law addressing “seller” liability and liability for negligently carrying out an assumed duty of care.

Amazon has argued in numerous states, with mixed results, that it can’t be considered a seller of products offered on its web marketplace. ...