A class action lawsuit has been filed against a major electronics manufacturer alleging that their products pose serious safety risks to consumers.
On August 14, 2024, Matthew Unger filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Samsung Electronics America, Inc., accusing the company of manufacturing and selling defective ranges.
The lawsuit claims that certain models of Samsung ranges have front-mounted heat control knobs that can be accidentally activated by humans or pets, posing a significant fire hazard. Unger purchased one of these models in April 2017 from P.C. Richard & Son in Oceanside, New York. He was unaware of any defects until he learned about them through social media.
According to the complaint, Samsung recalled over 1.1 million units on August 8, 2024, after receiving more than 300 reports of accidental activation, which led to at least 250 fires and substantial property damage. The recall also cited approximately 40 injuries and seven pet deaths due to fires caused by these defective ranges.
Unger’s legal team argues that Samsung breached its duties and warranties by failing to disclose the defect and continuing to sell the faulty products. The plaintiff seeks relief for himself and all similarly situated individuals who purchased any of the affected range models between May 2013 and August 2024. The lawsuit accuses Samsung of violating multiple laws, including breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment, deceptive acts or practices under New York General Business Law §349, and false advertising under New York General Business Law §350.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court: certification of the class action, damages for financial losses incurred due to purchasing defective products, pre and post-judgment interest on awarded amounts, costs including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, other litigation expenses, and any additional relief deemed just and proper by the court.
Representing Matthew Unger are attorneys Philip J. Furia and Jason P. Sultzer from Sultzer & Lipari PLLC based in Poughkeepsie, New York; Paul J. Doolittle and Seth Little from Poulin Willey Anastopoulo LLC based in Charleston, South Carolina will also join as counsel pro hac vice. Case ID: 1:24-cv-05689.