Sears Faces Lawsuit Over Improper Refrigerator Installation

Chicago, ILSears is facing a lawsuit related to the installation of refrigerator icemakers. The suit was filed in Illinois against Sears Roebuck and Company and alleges that property of Sears' customers was damaged because of improper installation of waterlines to the icemakers in the refrigerator.

According to the complaint, Sears tells agents who install the refrigerators to use self-piercing shut-off valves (or saddle valves) but those valves have a tendency to become clogged and leak. The water leak can cause damage to property. The lawsuit also claims that the installations violate the Illinois State Plumbing Code.

Other problems with installation of the refrigerators include valves that can cause bacteria growth in materials that come into contact with the water and chemicals that can seep into the water. Saddle valves are actually prohibited by the International Plumbing Code.

In addition to problems with its refrigerators, Sears is in trouble for problems related to stove-tipping. An article in the Washington Post gives the example of a woman who was cooking chicken on her stove when her son pulled open the oven door and stood on it. The stove tipped over and a pot of boiling water landed on her one-year-old son, seriously burning him. Although the incident happened 12 years ago, the boy will still require surgery to reduce his scars.

According to the article, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received reports of 84 injuries and 33 deaths between 1980 and 2006 caused by tipping stoves. The group is now requesting retailers and manufacturers take measures to stop these accidents from happening.

Sears could now face a class-action lawsuit that was filed in February claiming that consumers bought the ranges but they did not have the brackets installed. The suit is awaiting class action certification.

Although all stoves have a risk of tipping over, the problem can be solved with the use of an L-shaped bracket mounted on the back of the appliance. Industry standards have required the brackets since 1991, however some groups claim that even newer appliances do not have them. According to Reuters, documents from the Sears class action lawsuit shows that brackets were installed in just five percent of ovens.

Meanwhile, Sears still faces the lawsuit in Illinois over installation of its icemaker. If you had a Sears refrigerator with an icemaker installed and have suffered damages as a result of improper installation, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options.