Senior Partner
For Immediate Release
An Idaho family has retained Stritmatter Law to file a lawsuit against Amazon and the manufacturers of a dangerous laser pointer sold on the site. The Lennoos brand laser pointer was listed on Amazon.com as a Class I laser with power output less than .39mW, meaning it is harmless and safe for everyday use. It turned out to be a Class IIIb laser, typically only used in laboratory settings and prohibited from sale on Amazon.
Dangers of Laser Pointers
Amazon publishes the FDA classifications of laser pointers on its website.
Class I lasers are harmless unless magnified. Class II lasers are used for bar code scanners are become hazardous when viewed directly for long periods. Class IIIa lasers are “momentarily hazardous” when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam. Amazon prohibits sale of anything beyond those classifications.
Class IIIb lasers pose an immediate hazard and are only used in laser light shows, industrial lasers, and research lasers.
Lawsuit Against Amazon for Dangerous Laser Pointer
An Idaho father ordered a laser pointer labeled on Amazon as Class I–harmless. What arrived was something much different. A Class IIIb laser pointer ended up in his 10-year-old son’s hands, who is now permanently blinded in one eye.
The father ordered the same laser pointer again to determine whether the initial product was merely defective. That second laser pointer was also a Class IIIb.
Looking further into the sale of laser pointers on Amazon, Stritmatter Law discovered warnings signs in product reviews. Consumers reported “shocking” brightness and light measurements in the Class III range.
The lawsuit alleges that this mislabeling was not isolated to the Lennoos brand laser. Multiple other brands of similar or identical-looking lasers generated consumer reviews reporting comments like, “The light is so bright it could cause eye damage,” “Use safely because it can do some damage if used in the wrong way,” “Super-bright & powerful green laser, better be careful playing with this one. NOT for children,” “This one is so powerful and bright that I’m concerned that it can cause damage just looking at the light reflecting off any shiny surface,” “This laser is no joke! I’ve never owned a laser this strong, and it makes me genuinely worried about using it because I don’t want to accidentally blind myself,” “This laser is dangerously bright! Be very careful where you aim it. It can actually light up a room!” “Needs more warnings. Works great but DANGEROUSLY bright. If you want to perform your own LASIK surgery, this is the tool for you,” “VERY DANGEROUS IF IT SHINES IN YOUR EYES!” And numerous other customers warning how bright and potentially dangerous these green laser pointers were.
Andrew Ackley’s statement to Law360 covering this case:
“We found multiple instances of potentially dangerous mislabeling in Amazon product listings. This case exemplifies how little Amazon does to vet foreign brands and manufacturers before offering them nationwide sales and distribution into the hands of children. What’s worse is that Amazon continues to deny any legal responsibility for permanent injuries inflicted — even when the victims have no other recourse.”
You can view a redacted version of the complaint here.
Amazon Knows the Dangers of Mislabeled Laser Pointers
In 2025, Health Canada issued a warning about green laser pointers–similar if not identical to the laser pointer in this case–sold on Amazon.ca due to its misclassification: “Health Canada has determined, after testing, that this product is classified as a Class 3B handheld portable laser, which poses a danger to human health or safety. Use of Class 3B handheld portable lasers present an increased risk to consumers of permanent eye injury. Injuries result from the laser beam being directed in the eyes, even from short unintentional exposure.”
A 2024 lawsuit also alleged defective design an overly powerful laser pointer injuring a teenager.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Laser Pointer
If you have been injured by a laser pointer, you should:
- Get appropriate medical treatment. In addition to treating you, this helps document your injuries and the cause.
- Preserve the laser pointer in its current condition and store it in a safe location.
- Retain receipts, packaging, product instructions, and all other information related to the purchase.
- Contact a lawyer early to determine the proper course of action
Stritmatter Law has represented numerous clients in products liability case, in particular those involving Amazon products. Lawsuits against Amazon pose unique challenges but can be successfully pursued in Washington State.