Samsung Note 7 Recall Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

October 24, 2017 – Just as Samsung appeared to be recovering from its infamous Note 7 recall, another phone fire incident brought renewed scrutiny. A Samsung Galaxy J7 erupted into flames mid-flight on a Jet Airways flight in India, reigniting concerns about the safety of Samsung devices.

Incident Details

The fire broke out roughly 15 minutes after takeoff when the Galaxy J7, stored in a handbag alongside two other smartphones, began emitting smoke [1]. The owner, Arpita Dhal, immediately alerted flight attendants.

• Failed Fire Extinguisher: The cabin crew’s fire extinguisher did not function, forcing a flight attendant to submerge the J7 in water to extinguish the fire.
• Precautionary Measures: As an added precaution, the other two smartphones in the handbag were also placed in water.

Dhal expressed outrage over the lack of effective safety measures onboard:

“This is a question of the safety of passengers in flights. If there is a major fire or blast, what will they do when their fire extinguishers don’t work like this?”

Ongoing Fallout for Samsung

This incident comes at a sensitive time for Samsung, which had been attempting to rebuild consumer trust following the Galaxy Note 7 debacle. Released in August 2016, the Note 7 initially received rave reviews for its performance and nine-hour battery life. However, widespread reports of devices catching fire and exploding led to one of the largest recalls in tech history.

• The Cost of Failure: The Note 7 disaster cost Samsung over $20 billion, severely damaging its reputation as a leading electronics manufacturer.
• Renewed Scrutiny: While Samsung executives hope the Galaxy J7 incident is isolated, this latest fire raises concerns about persistent battery safety issues across its product lines.

Industry Implications

The Galaxy J7 fire highlights ongoing challenges for the smartphone industry as manufacturers push for more powerful devices in thinner designs. For Samsung, incidents like these not only threaten financial losses but also make it harder to rebuild the trust of consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide.

As Samsung faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety of its devices, the question remains: can the company prevent history from repeating itself?

Aggressive Battery Design to Blame for Note 7 Fires, Report Reveals

December 7, 2016 – A detailed teardown of the Galaxy Note 7 has revealed that Samsung’s design choices contributed to the phone’s dangerous tendency to catch fire.

According to engineers at Instrumental, a manufacturing technology company, Samsung’s decision to maximize battery capacity in an ultra-thin design left no room for safety margins.

Design Flaws Uncovered

Instrumental engineers discovered that the Note 7’s battery was tightly packed into the phone’s body, leaving no allowance for normal battery expansion. This lack of space caused internal layers of the battery to compress under pressure, leading to short circuits and fires.

Key findings include:

• Battery Expansion Risks: Under regular use, lithium-ion batteries expand slightly, which requires a safety buffer in a phone’s design.
• No Safety Margin: Instrumental found that the Note 7 had no “ceiling” above the battery, where industry standards recommend about 10% of the battery’s thickness. The recommended 0.5mm buffer was entirely missing.
• Stress on Design: Everyday handling, such as dropping the phone or applying pressure, further increased the chances of battery layers touching — with explosive consequences.

The report concluded that the design flaw was likely intentional, aimed at maximizing battery capacity while keeping the phone ultra-thin.

The Risks of Power-Packed Smartphones

The Galaxy Note 7 debuted in August 2016 to glowing reviews for its speed, software features, and long battery life — offering up to nine hours of runtime on a single charge.

However, Samsung’s push for more power in a slimmer body came at a heavy cost. Reports of devices catching fire or exploding began surfacing shortly after its release, ultimately forcing a global recall.

Financial and Reputational Impact

The Note 7 disaster is estimated to cost Samsung over $20 billion in lost revenue and recall expenses. Reports like Instrumental’s teardown further damaged the company’s reputation, highlighting the risks of prioritizing performance over safety.

Instrumental’s findings also ignited broader concerns about the dangers of packing more battery power into increasingly thinner devices, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to smartphone design.

A Cautionary Tale for the Tech Industry

Samsung’s ambitious design for the Galaxy Note 7 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety considerations in product development.

While the phone’s features initially impressed users and critics, the aggressive manufacturing process led to catastrophic failures, leaving a lasting stain on Samsung’s reputation and raising questions about the industry’s obsession with thinner, more powerful devices.

October 21, 2016 – Samsung faces backlash as customers claim the company refuses to fully compensate for property damage caused by exploding Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Reports of fires linked to the devices have left many customers frustrated by the company’s handling of their claims.

A Nightstand Nightmare: John Barwick’s Story

Galaxy Note 7 owner John Barwick shared his harrowing experience with The Guardian. He was jolted awake one night when his phone exploded on his nightstand, igniting a fire that caused approximately $9,000 in damage to his bed, carpet, and curtains [6].

• Initial Response: Barwick immediately contacted Samsung, expecting swift action. However, after promising to call back within 24 hours, Samsung failed to follow through. Repeated attempts to get assistance, including sending photos of the damage, were met with silence.
• Insurance Company Denial: When Samsung eventually responded, Barwick was directed to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, which offered only a depreciated value for the damaged items instead of covering the full replacement costs.

Criticism of Samsung’s Handling of Claims

Samsung’s response to property damage claims has drawn sharp criticism. The company is accused of prioritizing cost-cutting over customer support, even as the global Note 7 recall is projected to cost up to $17 billion in lost revenue [7].

Evidence of dismissive attitudes toward affected customers has surfaced, including leaked messages from Samsung representatives. In one text, a representative suggests delaying a customer’s case:
“I can try and slow him down if we think it will matter, or we just let him do what he keeps threatening to do.”

The Need for a Fresh Start

Consumers and industry observers argue that Samsung’s approach to handling these cases undermines trust. Many believe the company needs to adopt a more transparent and customer-focused strategy to move past the Note 7 controversy.

Instead of penny-pinching compensation offers, Samsung must demonstrate accountability to repair its reputation and reassure its customers.

This incident underscores the need for stronger consumer protections and accountability from corporations when product failures cause significant harm.

Why Airlines Banned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7: What You Need to Know

On October 14, 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from all airline flights [8].

The company has received at least 96 U.S. complaints of Galaxy Note 7 batteries overheating, including 23 new reports since the September 15 recall, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) [9]. Samsung has also received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note 7 fires.

Airlines Enforcing the Galaxy Note 7 Ban

Airlines worldwide quickly adopted the ban to safeguard passengers. Below is a list of some major airlines that implemented the restriction:

U.S. Airlines:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways

International Airlines:

• Qantas (Australia)
• Virgin Australia (Australia)
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
• Air Canada (Canada)
• Lufthansa (Germany)
• Air Berlin (Germany)
• Japan Airlines (Japan)
• Emirates (UAE)
• EgyptAir (Egypt)
• Garuda Indonesia (Indonesia)

While this list covers major carriers, many more airlines followed suit, reinforcing the global effort to address safety concerns.

We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”

Steps for Travelers Affected by the Ban

Passengers with a Galaxy Note 7 were encouraged to take immediate action to comply with the new restrictions:

• Return or Exchange Devices: Samsung set up kiosks at select airports to facilitate refunds or exchanges for travelers.
• Use Alternative Devices: Passengers were advised to switch to other safe devices before traveling. Airlines also encouraged passengers to review their specific policies regarding electronic devices.

“We have encouraged airlines to issue similar communications directly to their passengers,” Samsung said in a press release on Friday. “We realize this is an inconvenience but your safety has to remain our top priority.”

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is now classified as a prohibited hazardous material under the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations [10].

These regulations ban airline passengers from carrying lithium batteries, cells, or electronic devices capable of producing dangerous levels of heat on flights.

If an airline employee spots a passenger attempting to board with a banned Note 7, the airline is required by the DOT to deny boarding until the device is disposed of. Passengers caught trying to evade the ban may face fines and even criminal charges for violating federal regulations.

Samsung estimates that addressing the issue will cost the company at least $5 billion.

The Galaxy Note 7 Crisis: Explosions, Recalls, and the End of an Icon

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 saga stands as one of the most significant product failures in tech history, leaving behind a trail of fiery incidents, global recalls, and billions in losses. Below is a detailed breakdown of key events that marked the downfall of this once-promising flagship smartphone.

A Series of Explosions Sparks a Global Recall

Initial Reports of Fires

Shortly after its August 19, 2016 release, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 began making headlines—not for its cutting-edge features, but for its lithium-ion battery issues.

Reports of the phones catching fire or exploding led Samsung to announce a recall on September 2, covering all 2.5 million devices sold globally. Samsung attributed the fires to battery design flaws and promised safe replacements.

Replacement Devices Fail to Solve the Problem

Despite assurances, replacement phones also began catching fire. On October 6, a replacement Note 7 caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight at Louisville International Airport.

The device, owned by passenger Brian Green, emitted thick smoke and burned through the plane’s carpet. The incident forced an evacuation of the flight, though no injuries were reported.

Samsung’s response included providing a recall eligibility checker, which incorrectly identified Green’s replacement phone as safe. This incident, along with similar reports in China and South Korea, cast doubt on Samsung’s ability to resolve the issue.

Comprehensive Guide to Compensation for Galaxy Note 7 Recall Claims

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall led to widespread legal claims as consumers sought compensation for damages caused by the defective device.

From replacement costs to property damage and medical expenses, here is a breakdown of the compensation types available and how to navigate the claims process effectively.

1. Device Replacement Costs

Consumers who returned their Galaxy Note 7 faced costs when purchasing alternative devices.

• What Was Covered: Samsung refunded the original purchase price of the Note 7, approximately $850, and provided credits for accessories.
• Additional Compensation: Class action lawsuits sought further reimbursement for added costs incurred during the recall, with collective claims exceeding $5 million.

2. Property Damage Compensation

Fires caused by the Note 7 led to significant damage to personal belongings and property.

• Compensation Range: Claims for property damage ranged from $1,000 to $50,000, depending on the extent of the loss.
• What You Need: Claimants must provide evidence such as photos, repair estimates, and insurance documentation to support their claims.

3. Medical Expenses Reimbursement

Injuries such as burns from the Galaxy Note 7 added to the financial burden for many users.

• Compensation Amounts: Payouts for medical costs ranged from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and the treatment required.
• Required Documentation: Medical records, treatment bills, and proof of ongoing care related to device injuries were necessary to file claims.

4. Travel Disruption Compensation

The airline ban on the Galaxy Note 7 disrupted travel plans, leaving some passengers with additional expenses.

• Reimbursement Amounts: Compensation for travel disruptions ranged from $200 to $1,500, depending on the situation.
• Claim Process: Travelers needed to submit receipts for additional travel expenses and proof of their original ticket purchases to qualify.

5. Hotel and Rental Property Damage Claims

Galaxy Note 7 fires caused damage in hotels and rental properties, resulting in additional claims.

• Compensation Range: Claims for these damages were valued between $500 and $20,000, depending on repair costs.
• Evidence Required: Claimants needed to provide detailed documentation, including photos of the damage and repair estimates.

6. Business Loss Reimbursement

Businesses reliant on the Note 7 for operations faced financial losses due to the recall.

• Potential Compensation: Claims for business disruptions ranged into the tens of thousands of dollars, based on lost revenue and operational setbacks.
• Filing Requirements: Businesses had to provide financial records showing income losses and communications related to the recall.

The Galaxy Note 7 recall resulted in significant financial consequences for consumers and businesses alike. Understanding the various types of compensation available can help those affected pursue justice and recover their losses.

Gathering essential documentation and seeking advice from legal professionals can greatly improve the chances of a successful claim.