Lieff Cabraser: Consumer Safety Commission Recalls 2.8 Million Samsung Top-Loading Washing Machines Over Explosion Risks

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Samsung–The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with the cooperation of
Samsung, is recalling 2.8 million of Samsung’s top-loading washing
machines in the wake of over 700 reports of exploding washing machines
resulting in at least nine injuries. The recall covers 34 of Samsung’s
top-load models sold from March 2011 through November 2016.

CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye told reporters, “We’re talking about … a
very serious hazard of the top of these washing machines completely
blowing off. It is a lot of reports.” Kaye added that the tops of the
affected units weren’t “secured enough based on a design failure. And
the top just completely blows off.”

In August 2016, Lieff Cabraser filed a federal
consumer product defect lawsuit
in district court in New Jersey
alleging among other things that the Samsung top-loading washers explode
in owners’ homes, causing damage to walls, doors, and other nearby
equipment and presenting significant injury risks. Lieff Cabraser
partner Jason Lichtman stated, “We are pleased that Samsung has taken
the step of agreeing to a formal recall of these dangerous machines, and
we are monitoring the situation closely.” Lichtman added, “both the
federal court and the Plaintiffs have an important role to play in
ensuring that consumers are protected fully and compensated
appropriately.”

“It was the loudest sound. It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear,”
stated 32-year-old plaintiff Melissa Thaxton of Dallas, Georgia. “There
were wires, nuts, the cover actually was laying on the floor. I just
remember covering my head and leaning towards my son and just screaming
this scream that I didn’t even know I could scream,” Thaxton added.

Beyond damage to the washing machines themselves, reports include
descriptions of glass and other machine parts being shot across garages
and laundry rooms at distances of over 15 feet, with consequent damage
to other appliances, water heaters, and homes. Several Samsung top-load
washer owners report avoiding injury from the exploding debris and
equipment pieces only by fortunate timing or physical blocking from
other pieces of furniture or equipment, often mere moments after the
owners had their heads or hands right by the machines.

In late September 2016, the CPSC
issued a warning about the top-load Samsung washer explosion dangers
,
advising consumers only to use the most delicate cycle when washing any
bedding, water-resistant, or bulky items. “The lower spin speed in the
delicate cycle lessens the risk of impact injuries or property damage
due to the washing machine becoming dislodged,” the warning noted.

Searches for video captures of exploding
Samsung washers on YouTube
show over 8,000 results with frightening
owner videos posted showing the machines shaking with wild uncontrolled
vibrations and exploding as well as a myriad of news reports on the
incidents and owner fears about their homes and washers.

Samsung issued a statement indicating it is “moving quickly to offer
safe and easy choices to consumers impacted by the recall. Our priority
is to minimize any safety risk and address the conditions that lead to
the rare instance when the top of the washer unexpectedly separates from
the unit.” The company apologized for what it called the “inconvenience”
to consumers caused by its defective exploding washing machines, and
offered to schedule home visits to conduct free repairs.

Information on affected models is available on the CPSC’s website at www.cpsc.gov.
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.

About Lieff Cabraser

Recognized as “one of the nation’s premier plaintiffs’ firms” by The
American Lawyer
and a “Top 10 Plaintiffs Firm” by Benchmark
Litigation
, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, has
successfully litigated and settled hundreds of class action lawsuits in
federal and state courts, including dozens of cases requiring
manufacturers to remedy a defect, extend warranties, and refund to
purchasers the cost of repairing the defective product. It has recovered
billions of dollars for consumers in such cases. With seventy attorneys
in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Seattle, we are
among the largest law firms in the United States that represent only
plaintiffs.

Contacts

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Jason L. Lichtman,
212-955-3500
jlichtman@lchb.com
www.lieffcabraser.com

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