By CIOReview | Tuesday, October 15, 2024

FREMONT, CA: Fried Goldberg LLC, a premier personal injury litigation company known nationally for its experience in commercial motor vehicle crash cases, claimed a significant court victory over Amazon Logistics. A Gwinnett County State Court jury awarded $16.2 million in damages after an Amazon delivery driver struck and seriously injured a young Georgia kid. This case is noteworthy because Amazon was held liable as a secondary employer of the delivery driver, despite Amazon's claim that the driver worked for an independent third-party delivery business.

The lawsuit, Bradfield v. Amazon Logistics, disputed Amazon's claim that its delivery drivers solely work for independent delivery service providers. The fundamental issue in the lawsuit was Amazon's influence over the delivery service providers and drivers. Under Georgia law and in other jurisdictions, if an entity has sufficient control over the time, method, and manner in which someone does their job, that entity can be considered an employer, even if the contracts state that they are independent contractors. The jury concluded that Amazon exercised such control and should be held accountable as an employer. Furthermore, the jury decided that Amazon was 85 percent accountable for the driver's inadequate training.

"This is an exceptional and important verdict," said Joe Fried, co-founder of Fried Goldberg LLC and a recognized innovator in trucking accident litigation. Fried, who also co-founded the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, added, "This trial provided a rare glimpse into how Amazon controls its Delivery Service Providers. The verdict will have a significant impact on thousands of cases nationally, where Amazon is asserting similar defenses. The jury's decision sends a powerful message that Amazon is responsible for the system it created and that companies cannot avoid responsibility by labeling someone an independent contractor who is not truly independent."

Fried Goldberg LLC is at the forefront of trucking accident litigation, focusing on innovative approaches in commercial motor vehicle cases. This recent victory strengthens the firm's position as a leader in the industry and underlines its dedication to obtaining justice for victims of corporate negligence.