Attorneys Yaeger, Yanchunis Sue Electrolux Over Moldy Washers

Morgan & Morgan Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Electrolux

Morgan & Morgan’s Complex Litigation attorney John A. Yanchunis, along with Edward A. Wallace of Wexler & Wallace, have filed a class action lawsuit in Florida that alleges certain Electrolux, Frigidaire, and Kenmore washing machines are defective and can grow mold and mildew that damages clothing and may put consumers at risk for health problems.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Morgan & Morgan clients Wendy and Nicholas Grasso, alleges that the couple purchased an Electrolux-manufactured Frigidaire washing machine in January 2010. Two years later, they noticed that their clothing began to develop black stains and odors after being washed. Upon inspecting their washing machine, the Grassos allegedly discovered that the stains were the result of mold and mildew deposits resembling a thin biofilm coating the steel drum inside the appliance.

Electrolux's Response

When the Grassos contacted Electrolux about the problem, the company allegedly told them that the biofilm was caused by their own misuse of the machine. Electrolux recommended that they routinely wipe out the gasket and keep the washing machine’s door open to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

However, the Grassos claim in their lawsuit that Electrolux should not have recommended leaving the appliance’s door open, as the user’s manual explicitly states that doing so may pose a safety hazard if children hang on the door or crawl inside the machine. Furthermore, they allege that leaving the door open caused additional damage, as the rubber surrounding the door became cracked.

Warranty Claim Denial

Despite following Electrolux’s recommendations, the mold and mildew growth persisted. When the Grassos attempted to file a warranty claim for the faulty machine, the lawsuit alleges that Electrolux informed them that mold growth was not covered under the warranty and that the company would neither replace the appliance nor cover any repair costs.

As a result, the Grassos claim they now have to drive to a relative’s home to do their laundry to avoid further damaging their clothes. Additionally, they allege that their defective washing machine may put them at risk for health problems, including allergies and asthma, which have been linked to exposure to mold and mildew.

Implications for Consumers

According to the lawsuit, Electrolux manufactures and sells hundreds of thousands of washing machines each year, many of which are sold in Florida.

“While we don’t know exactly how many consumers may have these appliances at this stage in the litigation, we believe it may be a great number,” Morgan & Morgan’s Laura V. Yaeger said. “And we will fight to compensate the Grassos and other Florida consumers like them who purchased these defective appliances.”

The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit County Court of the Eleventh Judicial District for Miami-Dade County, Florida, and seeks to compensate all Florida consumers who purchased an affected washing machine.