Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP

Defective Notebook Computers and Consumer Legal Rights

Computers are inherently complex devices. Unfortunately, defects arise in the production of all high-tech devices, particularly when such devices are miniaturized for such goals as light weight combined with maximal efficiency. There are multiple notebook computer recalls every year as a result of defects in such components as notebook computer screens, optical CD drives, and DVD drives, as well as internal hard drives, flash memory storage units, power adapters, and batteries.

In addition, defective computer products are often sold despite a manufacturer knowing or learning of defects, and without the manufacturer announcing a recall. In these situations, consumers incur substantial expenses replacing defective parts and devices after a warranty has expired. Consumers also frequently face significant inconveniences in having to send or bring their computers in for repair. Another frequent problem is an attendant destruction and loss of crucial data.

Legal Rights of Consumers

State and federal laws provide consumers with remedies for products that are defectively designed or manufactured, or which do not perform as advertised. In many cases, consumers can benefit from such laws even after a warranty period has expired.

The cost for a consumer to hire an attorney and file an individual lawsuit against the manufacturer of the defective product is often prohibitive. The law, however, does not leave the consumer powerless.

A small number of consumers may file a class action lawsuit, representing all consumers that purchased the defective product. A class action suit can provide a powerful and effective means for consumers to compel a corporation to acknowledge its legal responsibilities and provide just compensation to the class members.

Examples of Successful Class Action Lawsuits on Behalf of Consumers with Faulty Computers and Computer Products

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is a national law firm that represents plaintiffs, including consumers who purchased defective computers. We have obtained significant settlements for consumers that were sold defective computers and computer products, including all out-of-pocket costs for replacing the defective parts.

Our recently resolved consumer lawsuits for faulty computers and computer parts include:

Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 Notebook

We represented owners of the Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 notebook computer who alleged failures in in power-supply, display, and hard drive. The settlement provided an extended warranty for all Satellite Pro 6100 computers, cash compensation for certain repairs, and reimbursement for certain out-of-warranty repair expenses.

Dell Inspiron 5150 Notebook

In this class action lawsuit against Dell, Inc, Lieff Cabraser represented a class of plaintiffs who alleged a series of defects with the Dell Inspiron 5150 notebook. In September 2006, the Court granted preliminarily approval of a settlement that provides class members with an extended one-year limited warranty and a 100% cash refund for any charges they incurred, including shipping costs, for earlier repair of their notebook.

Apple Power Adapters For The G3 iBook and Other Powerbook Computers

We represented consumers whose specified Apple power adapter failed within three years after purchase or receipt of an adapter under Apple’s “black brick” recall program. We successfully negotiated a settlement that included a cash refund payment for class members who paid for replacement adapters and store certificates for class members that lacked proof of purchase of their replacement adapter or incurred multiple adapter failures.

Toshiba Notebooks

Lieff Cabraser successfully negotiated a settlement with Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. to provide relief for owners of certain Toshiba Notebook computers with screens that tended to flicker or dim. Under the settlement, owners who paid to have the flicker issue repaired could recover the cost of that repair. In addition, Toshiba agreed to extend the length of the warranty by 18 months on the covered models.

Contact Lieff Cabraser

Many of our cases are initiated by consumers that contact our firm. Please click here to submit a complaint about a product to our firm. We will review your claim without charge or obligation and in confidence.