Consumers have reached a settlement in the multidistrict litigation against Samsung and retailers over exploding top-loading washing machines, which consumers report can vibrate and blow themselves apart. Some owners of affected machines may receive a new Samsung or other brand washing machine, rebates, or a “free in-home repair to reinforce their washers’ top.”
Lieff Cabraser represents Samsung washing machines owners in federal court in lawsuits over top-loading washing machines that explode in the home, causing damage to walls, doors, and other equipment and presenting significant injury risks. Users report Samsung top-load washers exploding as early as the day of installation, while others have seen their machines explode months or even over a year after purchase.
The newly announced deal includes a minimum recall rebate of 15.5% of the estimated washing machine purchase price. Additionally, it provides for a full refund plus reimbursement of “top separation expenses” capped at $400 per consumer and an additional $50 for clean-up costs for any individual whose washer blew its top within seven years of the purchase date.
“The parties to this agreement vigorously litigated the claims asserted in the consolidated MDL lawsuit and the lawsuits for over two years, including briefing of motions to dismiss in several of the lawsuits,” noted Law360. “After engaging in arms-length settlement negotiations during nine full days of mediation sessions with an experienced and accomplished mediator … and after engaging in confirmatory discovery, the parties now wish to resolve all claims, disputes, and differences among them.”
The settlement will need court approval before it becomes final and active.
The case is In re: Samsung Top Load Washing Machine Marketing, Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, case number MDL-2792, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Information on affected models is available on the CPSC’s website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Samsung-Recalls-Top-Load-Washing-Machines. You can learn more about the lawsuits filed on behalf of owners of Samsung top-loading washing machines and your rights as a consumer on Lieff Cabraser’s website.
Consumer Protection Attorneys at Lieff Cabraser
On August 12, 2016, attorneys at Lieff Cabraser filed a class action complaint on behalf of consumers seeking redress for Samsung’s allegedly defective and dangerous top-loading washing machines, noting that the machines present unreasonable risks of property damage and serious personal injury during normal use as they are prone to “catastrophic failure” leading to unit explosions.
If you purchased a Samsung top-loading washing machine between March 2011 and November 2016, we invite you to visit our Samsung top-load washer explosions webpage to contact a consumer attorney at Lieff Cabraser. We welcome the opportunity to learn of your experiences with your Samsung washing machine and to answer any questions you may have about your legal rights.
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