WASHINGTON, -- On May 19, 2009, a lawsuit was filed against the General Electric Company and Samsung Electronics, Inc. in connection with GE-branded microwave ovens. The lawsuit seeks certification of a nationwide class on behalf of persons who have owned a GE-branded microwave oven manufactured on or after January 1, 2000.
According to plaintiff's counsel, Hassan Zavareei, "The lawsuit alleges that GE and Samsung were responsible for the design, manufacturing, branding, marketing, and sale of microwave ovens that contained a defect that made the microwave ovens unreasonably dangerous. Because of the defect, the microwave ovens are susceptible to activating on their own, leading to smoke and potentially extensive fire damage. We also allege in the Complaint that Defendants were aware of the defect no later than 2002 but failed to take the necessary corrective measures or to warn consumers."
The lead plaintiff, Timothy Hennigan, purchased a GE-branded microwave oven in February of 2001. In June of 2008, Mr. Hennigan's microwave began running completely on its own, causing the emission of sparks and smoke. As a result, Mr. Hennigan's home suffered smoke-related damage, and his microwave oven could no longer be used. Through their investigations, lawyers for the putative class have uncovered dozens of reports of similar incidents across the country, including incidents that led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and pet fatalities.
The Complaint seeks, among other things, compensatory damages, restitution, and a permanent injunction.
The lawsuit is captioned Hennigan. v. General Electric Co. & Samsung Electronics America, Inc., and was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Plaintiff is represented by the Washington, D.C. law firm of Tycko & Zavareei LLP, and The Miller Law Firm of Rochester, Michigan. A copy of the complaint can be downloaded from the Tycko & Zavareei LLP website, www.tzlegal.com.
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