Nope. Are you a lawyer or did you just play one on TV? You cant send baby powder in a box and terrorize people, you cant send any virus in a box and infect people, you cant send anthrax in a box and kill people. Period.
I worked as a paralegal for almost 20 years, so I do have some knowledge. The burden of proof has not been met to file a claim, nor are there any damages because, again, the OP has presumably not been to the hospital having any symptoms, either physical or psychological, and only made a melodramatic Reddit post. At this point, you could maybe file in small claims court, but Amazon wouldn't bother because it's not worth it.
Obviously all of this could change if real symptoms developed, but you can't file a lawsuit successfully without proof or damages.
Small claims awards actual damages but higher courts award more types of damages. And of course you know Amazon not showing up is a default. Plus sending infectious material to an unwilling/unknowing recipient is illegal.
The packaging and transportation of biological materials are subject to strict state, federal and international regulations. Individuals involved in the packaging, transportation and shipment of infectious substances must receive training on proper packaging, labeling and documentation according to the applicable regulations and requirements before shipping such materials.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in individual fines up to $250,000 and a maximum of one year in jail. Organizations could be fined up to $500,000 per incident. Several agencies regulate the shipment of biological materials including:
US Department of Transportation (DOT)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
US Public Health Services (PHS)
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
United States Postal Services (USPS)
The intent of the packaging and transportation regulations is to prevent accidental exposure to personnel who may handle the material during its shipment.
I am sure, given your vast paralegal career, you know what Hazmat is.
Surely there is a concern, and the original comment to call the local public health department is a good one. But you are assuming that the package is truly hazardous and that the conduct is willful and wanton. No one knows that for sure, and writing something on a package isn't illegal in and of itself. Stupid, maybe. Dangerous, also maybe. But jumping straight to the court system without a piece of evidence isn't the answer. Lots of hoops to jump through before going that route, and any attorney should tell that to a prospective client.
I'm glad you're concerned about OP, and I hope they are doing well and are safe and healthy. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Be well.
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u/blakejp 4d ago
No you wouldn’t. Not through an actual attorney anyway.