Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Whirlpool recalls 1.7 million dishwashers

Whirlpool Corp is recalling 1.7 million dishwashers sold at its U.S. stores from February 2006 through April 2010 due to a potential fire hazard.

The recall, made by the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, covers Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley branded dishwashers.

An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element could pose a serious fire hazard, the top appliance maker said in a statement on Thursday.

The company received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in fires. No injuries have been reported.

The affected units were sold at various U.S. stores for between $250 and $900.

Whirlpool spokeswoman Jill Saletta said in an email the company has already set aside $75 million to address any potential costs from the recall.

In a regulatory filing in April, the company had warned about a potential charge due to "a corrective action to address a supplier-related quality and potential product safety issue."

Whirlpool shares were down 3 percent at $100.54 on Thursday afternoon.

This article was written by Dhanya Skariachan and was provided by Reuters.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6522F120100603?type=domesticNews

Companies and businesses that create and sell products have a responsibility to ensure that those products are designed and manufactured safely. Unfortunately, defective products harm millions of people every year, as the desire to maximize profits too often trumps the responsibility to keep consumers safe. These companies should be held responsible for defective products through personal injury litigation.

Contact the Personal Injury Trial Attorneys at Murphy Law Firm if you have been injured by a defective product at 225-928-8800.

http://www.batonrougeinjuryaccidentattorney.com/Personal-Injury/Defective-Products.shtml