Troubles for the Samsung corporation continue, as, on November 4th, U.S. authorities announced yet another recall for the company’s products. Samsung washing machines have allegedly caused several injuries, including a broken jaw and shoulder, supposedly due to excessive vibration. This comes only one month after the company had to recall its Galaxy Note 7 due to some of the phones catching on fire, and three years after the company had to recall washing machines in Australia after an electrical issue caused them to catch on fire—a major safety failure.
Reports have indicated that drums on some of the machines have become unbalanced, causing severe vibrations and the top of the machine to detach from the chassis. Samsung has already been sued by several individuals who allegedly experienced their washing machines exploding in their homes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been more than 700 reports of the machines excessively vibrating, some leading to serious injuries.
Remedies and Litigation
At this time, Samsung is offering customers the choice between a rebate towards a new washing machine and a free repair, or a full refund if the model was purchased within the last 30 days. The company has also advised consumers to only use the delicate cycle when washing bedding and other bulky items, ensuring that, if the machine is operating on a lower speeds and becomes dislodged, the impact of injuries or property damage will be lessened. But what about those who have already been injured, or had their houses destroyed?
The current recall is estimated to affect 34 models of the top-loading machines, which were manufactured between 2011 and 2016 and sold at The Home Depot, Sears, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and other stores. Some of the lawsuits have identified the support rod in the machine as being insufficient to hold the tub in place, becoming unfastened during the spin cycle, and causing the machine to blow apart.
Not only have these machines caused injuries, but they have also caused damage to consumers’ homes, as reports included descriptions of glass and other parts being shot across the room, over 15 feet, placing anyone and anything nearby at risk of injury. Many were present, with their children, when the machines exploded, describing the explosions as though “a bomb went off in [their ears].”
Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal injuries occur every day as a result of negligently-produced products. We at Harrell & Nowak have helped many personal injury victims throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries, helping them get back on their feet as they deal with medical bills, damage, and hassles as a result of circumstances that were not their fault. Our injury attorneys work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.