Class action against Whirlpool Dishwashers

Lawsuit alleges household appliance bursts into flames.

VANCOUVER, Sept. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - A class action was filed today in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Natalie Bickert against Whirlpool and related companies. The lawsuit has been brought on behalf of Canadian consumers who purchased Whirlpool, KitchenAide and Kenmore branded dishwashers.  The lawsuit alleges that the dishwashers are dangerously defective.  Specifically, the electronic control board on the dishwashers may overheat, causing a fire.

"I am lucky to be alive", says Ms. Bickert.  On December 11, 2012, Ms. Bickert's dishwasher ignited, filing her house with smoke.  Ms. Bickert suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and she was rushed to hospital. There was damage to her home, but she had survived.

"It was a terrifying experience", says Ms. Bickert, "I had no idea that my dishwasher was a fire hazard.  After the blaze, I started researching this product on the internet, and I found out that many other people across North America have had the same problem.  This makes me angry.  The company should recall or repair the dishwashers, and they should warn consumers.  I don't want anyone else in Canada to be hurt or maybe even killed by this product."

"We believe that this lawsuit raises important public safety issues", explains Rick Mallett, one of Ms. Bickert's lawyers.  "Thousands of Canadians have these dishwashers in their homes.  We are seeking a court order forcing the manufacturers to recall or repair the dishwashers, to warn consumers, and to refund them."

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For over 20 years, Klein Lyons has been helping car accident victims and class-action clients across Canada. If you have been injured by no fault of your own, Klein Lyons offers dedicated expertise in motor vehicle accidents, personal injury and class action law.  For more information, visit www.kleinlyons.com

SOURCE: Klein Lyons

Rick Mallett, James H, Brown & Associates, 2400 Sun Life Place, 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1, [phone], www.jameshbrown.com or Clint Docken, Docken Klym, 900, 800-6^th Ave, Calgary, AB, T2P 3G3, tel [phone], or Douglas Lennox, Klein Lyons, Barristers and Solicitors, 100 King Street West, Suite 5600, Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9, tel [phone], www.kleinlyons.com