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If you own a Whirlpool, Sears, LG or other front-loading washing machine and have had problems with mold, mildew, or related odor problems, we wish to learn more about your experiences. Please click here to contact class counsel.
Case Center
Front-Loading Washer Litigation
- Issue: Defective design, mildew growth
Lieff Cabraser represents consumers in multiple states who have filed separate class action lawsuits against Whirlpool, Sears, and LG. The complaints charge that certain front-loading automatic washers manufactured by these companies are defectively designed and that the design defects create foul odors from mold and mildew that permeate the washing machines and consumers' homes.
Specific Allegations
The plaintiffs charge the the front-loading washing machines have serious design defects that:
- cause them to accumulate mold and mildew and/or residue or growth within the machines,
- produce a moldy or mildew odor that permeates the washing machines and/or the consumers' homes,
- produce a mold or mildew odor on clothes and other items washed in the washing machines,
- fail to clean the washing machines and remove moisture, residue, growth and/or bacteria that lead to the formation of mold, mildew and/or associated foul odors, and
- be unusable in the manner, to the extent to, and for the purpose for which the washing machines were advertised, marketed, and sold.
Plaintiffs further allege that although they and the Class members have spent money for repairs and other purported remedies and that none of those remedies have eliminated the odor problems that result from the defects in their washing machines.
Case Status
In the Whirlpool litigation, on May 3, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the U.S. District Court's order granting class certification. Read the appellate court's Opinion.
The motion for class certification in the LG litigation is awaiting argument before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. In the Sears litigation, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied plaintiffs' motion for class certification. Plaintiffs have moved for reconsideration.
Contact Class Counsel
If you own a Whirlpool, Sears, LG or other front-loading washing machine and have had problems with mold, mildew, or related odor problems, we wish to learn more about your experiences. Please click here to contact class counsel.
Trademark Notice
"Whirlpool Duet," "Whirlpool Duet Sport," and "Whirlpool Duet HT" are registered trademarks of Whirlpool, USA. "Sears" is a registered trademark of the Sears Holdings Corporation. "LG" is a registered trademark of LG Electronics. Any use of trademarks are for informational and product identification purposes only. Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is not affiliated in any way with Whirlpool, USA, Sears Holdings Corporation, or LG Electronics.