TAMPA — A Florida parent has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com, alleging that a defective Amazon Basics charger caused catastrophic injuries to their minor child.
The lawsuit, filed by Terry Travis on behalf of his child, T.T., claims the charger electrocuted the child, causing severe burns, pain, and mental anguish, according to the complaint filed Jan. 29 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida-Tampa Division.
According to court documents, Travis purchased the charger through Amazon’s online marketplace, and it was delivered to their home in Pasco County.
On Sept. 6, 2024, T.T. was using a virtual reality headset connected to the charger when it allegedly malfunctioned and exploded.
The lawsuit states that the child suffered permanent scarring and disfigurement as a result of the incident.
"The risk of danger associated with designing, manufacturing, distributing, supplying, and selling the Subject Charger as it was outweighs any real or perceived benefits," the complaint states. "At the time the Subject Charger was designed, manufactured, distributed, supplied, and sold, alternative designs, formulations, and methods of manufacturing existed that would have resulted in a safer and more useful product with little to no increase in cost."
The lawsuit accuses Amazon of negligence and strict liability, stating that the company designed, manufactured, distributed and sold a defective product that posed a serious risk to consumers.
The charger was being used in a reasonable and foreseeable manner at the time of the incident, according to the suit.
The suit further alleges that Amazon was aware, or should have been aware, of the potential dangers associated with the charger but failed to take corrective action.
The complaint cites other documented cases of similar Amazon Basics chargers malfunctioning in a dangerous manner.
Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit claims, Amazon continued to sell the product, prioritizing profits over consumer safety.
The lawsuit argues that Amazon failed in its duty to adequately test, inspect, and provide warnings regarding the potential hazards of the charger.
The case was filed in a federal court based on diversity jurisdiction, as Amazon is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Seattle, Wash.
The lawsuit asserts that Amazon regularly does business in Florida, operates fulfillment centers in the state, and sells products directly to Florida consumers.
Amazon Basics, the company’s in-house brand, sells a variety of consumer electronics and accessories.
The lawsuit raises concerns about the safety of Amazon Basics products, particularly electronic devices and whether they undergo sufficient testing before being sold to consumers.
In recent years, Amazon Basics products have faced scrutiny over safety issues.
Reports of overheating, fire hazards and electrical malfunctions have led to consumer complaints and, in some cases, product recalls.
However, the lawsuit claims that Amazon failed to issue warnings or recalls regarding this specific charger model, despite knowing about its potential dangers.
Travis is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, citing medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and the long-term impact of the child’s injuries. Travis is represented by Harris Yegelwel of Morgan & Morgan in Orlando.
As of the publication of this article, attorneys for both the plaintiff and Amazon have not responded to requests for comment.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida-Tampa Division case number: 8:25-cv-00238