Owners of Whirlpool Front-Loading Washing Machines in Ohio Could be Part of a Class Action Lawsuit

CLEVELAND, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the law firm of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.

A lawsuit involving Whirlpool Duet^®, Duet HT^®, or Duet Sport^® Front-Loading Automatic Washers ("Washers") has been certified as a Class Action, and may be proceeding to trial.  The lawsuit claims that the Washers have a design defect that causes the machines to accumulate mold, resulting in unpleasant odors and ruined laundry.  The lawsuit further claims that Whirlpool knew about this design defect and failed to inform customers before they bought their machines. Whirlpool denies these claims.

Class Members include individuals who:

• Currently live in Ohio,
• Bought a Whirlpool Duet^®, Duet HT^®, or Duet Sport^® Front-Loading Automatic Washer in Ohio, and
• Bought the Whirlpool Washer primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

Resellers and distributors of Washers as well as government entities are not included in this lawsuit. Additionally, Washers that were bought through Whirlpool's Employee Purchase Program are not included.

There is no money or benefits available now because the Court has not yet decided whether Whirlpool did anything wrong, and the two sides have not settled the case.  If the Class is successful at trial, Class Members will need to present evidence that they have damages as a result of their purchase of the Washers to recover any money or other benefit from Whirlpool.

Some Class Members may have received a notice about the lawsuit in the mail.  For those people who believe they are Class Members, but did not receive a notice, they can register at www.WhirlpoolClass.com or by calling 1-888-538-5793 to receive future information about the lawsuit.

Class Members have a choice whether to remain members of the Class or exclude themselves.  Class Members can obtain more information by visiting www.WhirlpoolClass.com or calling 1-888-538-5793.  Those Class Members who choose to exclude themselves must do so by January 7, 2013. 

If the case is not dismissed or settled, Plaintiffs will have to prove their claims at a trial that will take place at the Carl B. Stokes United States Courthouse, 801 West Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1838. The trial date has not been set.  Once a trial date has been set, that information will be posted on the website, www.WhirlpoolClass.com. 

SOURCE Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein