Whirlpool Front Load Washing Machines Litigation

On June 20, 2008, Chimicles & Tikellis LLP, along with co-counsel, filed a class action complaint against Whirlpool Corporation ("Whirlpool") in the federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of consumers who purchased allegedly defective Duet, Duet HT, and Duet Sport front load washing machines manufactured and sold by Whirlpool (collectively, the "Washing Machines"). The Panel for Multi District Litigation consolidated and transferred all similar litigation regarding defective Whirlpool Washing Machines litigation to the federal District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. That Court appointed Chimicles & Tikellis as a member of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee. A Consolidated Master Complaint was filed on February 12, 2009.

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, and production of foul and noxious odors. 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 Consolidated Master Complaint asserts claims for violations of the Magnuson-Moss Act, the consumer protection statutes of Texas, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, California, Ohio, Indiana and New York, as well as claims for breach of express and implied warranty and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks monetary damages and other relief. The complaint is attached below.

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