LG Front Load Washing Machine Mold/Mildew Litigation

On May 6, 2008, Chimicles & Tikellis LLP, along with co-counsel, filed a consolidated class action complaint in the District Court for the District of New Jersey against LG Electronics USA, Inc. ("LG") on behalf of consumers who purchased allegedly defective front load washing machines manufactured or sold by LG (the "Washing Machines").

According to the complaint, the Washing Machines suffer from a design and/or manufacturing defect that leads to the formation of mold and mildew on the inside of the washing machines. In addition to being unsightly and smelly, the mold and mildew that forms on the interior of the Washing Machines can damage clothes and other items, substantially decrease the value of these high-end products, and produce foul and noxious odors, according to the complaint. The complaint alleges that the named plaintiffs have run bleach and other cleaning products through their Washing Machines in an attempt to cleanse them of mold and mildew, but that these efforts have been unsuccessful.

The class action complaint filed by Chimicles & Tikellis asserts claims for violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act or, in the alternative, state law claims under the consumer protection statutes of the states of purchase (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin). The class action complaint also asserts claims for violation of the Magnuson (Moss Warranty Act, and claims for breach of express and implied warranties and unjust enrichment  under New Jersey law, or, in the alternative, under the laws of the aforementioned states of purchase.  The complaint also seeks other relief, including a court order that compels LG to cease and desist from selling the Washing Machines, and to establish an appropriate program to inspect, repair, and replace these products.

The consolidated class action complaint is attached below.