On Behalf Of Maytag Neptune Owners
The Philadelphia-based law firm of Sheller Ludwig & Badey and the Ambler, PA Lemon Law firm of Kimmel & Silverman, were among several firms that have resolved a class action law suit against the Maytag Corporation, alleging odor, mold, and mildew problems with Maytag Neptune Washers.
More than two million consumers are included in the class and may receive repair reimbursements, replacement costs up to $500, and/or washing machine purchase certificates up to $1,000. Jonathan Shub of the Sheller firm served as one of three co-lead counsel in the Maytag case.
According to documents filed in the Circuit Court for the State of Illinois, many Maytag consumers have complained of their machine functioning improperly and clothing covered in mold as a result of problems with the door latch, wax motor, motor control, and related circuit boards.
"The number of complaints coming in from across the nation to our firm was quite high, among the most we've ever received. It was clear that a number of problems needed to be addressed by Maytag. Thanks to all co-counsel and the relative speed with which Maytag responded, consumers were able to use the class action the way it was intended, for the benefit of all, more quickly, and at a significant reduced cost than if each consumer sued individually," according to Craig Thor Kimmel, Esq. for Kimmel & Silverman.
Under the settlement, those who purchased a Maytag Neptune Front-Load Washing Machine (any model, including stackables) any time between April 1, 1997 to August 9, 2004 are entitled to one or more of the following remedies:
- Repair Reimbursements, defined as any reasonable out-of-pocket costs related to repairs prior to August 9, 2004 for problems mentioned in the suit.
- Replacement Costs of up to $500, subject to depreciation, for each Maytag customer who replaced their Maytag Neptune Washer prior to August 9, 2004 as a result of the problems mentioned in the suit.
- Washing Machine Purchase Certificates of up to $1000, if class member suffer the problems mentioned in the suit, and Maytag can't repair the condition. The value of the certificate is based on the age of the machine. The certificates may be used for the purchase of a new Neptune Washer. Maytag will also cover delivery of the new machine and disposal of the old unit.
To qualify for a remedy, consumers must complete and send in a claim form. Claim forms can be obtained by calling 866-288-0515 or visiting the class action website, www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com (Editor's note: this website is no longer active). All claim forms must be sent back in by August 9, 2005.
Sheller, Ludwig & Badey (www.sheller.com) focuses primarily on the representation of individuals, and classes in cases regarding defective products, unfair business practices, and injuries resulting from medical treatment. The Firm is currently lead counsel in several nationwide class actions. Jonathan Shub of the firm served as one of three co-lead counsel in the Maytag case.
Kimmel & Silverman is the nation's oldest and largest Lemon Law and consumer advocacy firm, focusing primarily on automotive issues. Since its inception in 1991, the firm has provided cost-free legal representation to over 30,000 consumers, recovering more than $130 million for its clients. The firm has six full-service offices covering five states, with a staff of seventeen attorneys, five certified experts and a support team of more than 40 paralegals, clerks and administrators.