Over a million of Samsung’s unsafe stoves are being recalled after hundreds of reported accidents that have caused injuries and have even killed pets. Dangerous design flaws make these stoves easy to ignite by accident, with insecure heat control knobs that can be easily moved from the “off” position.
If you or a loved one were injured due to one of these recalled stoves, don’t hesitate to take action and hold negligent companies accountable. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to get started.
What Happened
Samsung issued a recall for over 1.1 million electric stoves after reports of accidental ignitions that led to fires. The recall affects 30 models sold since 2013.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that these stoves were linked to around 250 fires, resulting in 40 injuries (eight of which required medical attention), 18 instances of significant property damage, and at least seven pets killed.
Why It Happened
Samsung’s stoves are activated by knob controls used to turn on heating sources and are supposed to have locks on them. Knob locks have little prongs that stick under the knobs, preventing them from moving out of the “off” position. Knob covers are small pieces of plastic that must be flipped down to reveal the push-and-turn mechanism that ignites a stove.
The recalled stoves, however, can be accidentally activated.
A Heated History
Samsung’s history with fire accidents is a bit of hot topic. That is to say, the stove recall isn’t the first time Samsung consumers have gotten burned by bad products.
In 2016, Samsung recalled more than two million of its phones over fears of battery fires. In 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall statement for more than a half-million washing machines over fire hazards.
When asked by the New York Times exactly how many pets died and why it took 11 years since the company started selling the flawed ranges before the recall was issued, a spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission declined to comment.
What You Should Do
This recall highlights the importance of product safety and timely action to protect consumers. While Samsung has taken steps to address the issue, the delay in issuing the recall raises questions about corporate responsibility and the protection of consumers—and their pets.
Samsung is asking people who have one of its ranges to contact the company to see if they are eligible for the free, self-install knob locks or covers that reduce the possibility of accidental ignition.
If you own one of these stoves, contact Samsung to see if you qualify for the free knob locks or covers. Taking these precautions could prevent a potential disaster in your home.
If you have already suffered injuries or property damage because of these stoves, contact Morgan & Morgan to learn more about your legal options. For over 35 years, we have fought For the People and have held countless corporations accountable for their negligence. With a proven track record and over $20 billion recovered for our clients, there’s a good reason lawsuits are taken very seriously when the opposing side hears the name Morgan & Morgan.