September 28, 2016 — Samsung is warning that top-loading washing machines can violently explode and cause severe injuries or property damage.
The warnings only apply to top-loading washing machines that were made between March 2011 and April 2016. There have been at least 21 reports of the washers exploding, according to ABC News.
Samsung is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on a remedy for the problem. In the meantime, consumers should only use the delicate cycle when washing bulky items like bedding or water-resistant items.
To check if your washing machine is affected, visit www.Samsung.com/us/suport/tlw.
Samsung said the explosions were primarily associated with bulky items being washed on the high-speed spin cycle. In some reports, the entire top of the washing machine suddenly blew off.
Samsung blamed the problem on “abnormal vibrations.” However, lawyers who filed a class action lawsuit last month had a more detailed explanation — a support rod in the machine that is too weak to hold the tub in place during the spin cycle.
The class action (PDF) was filed in New Jersey by three women who reported severe property damage:
- Michelle Fielder (Texas) — When washing a small load of laundry on February 9, the machine exploded through the wall of her garage and into her living room.
- Suzann Moore (Indiana) — When doing laundry in December 2015, the machine exploded and damaged her dryer.
- Melissa Thaxton (Georgia) — The sound of the explosion was like “a bomb went off.” She and her 4 year-old son were in the room when it exploded and narrowly avoided being injured.
The lawsuit was filed on August 12, 2016 in the District of New Jersey — In Re: Moore, et al. v. Samsung Electronics — Case No. 2:16-cv-04966.
Do I have a Samsung Washing Machine Lawsuit?
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