Homeowners experiencing issues with their LG refrigerators may find relief through a recently announced class action settlement. This settlement, stemming from concerns about compressor defects leading to “No-Cooling Events,” introduces the Lg Enhanced Customer Care Program alongside cash relief and extended warranty benefits for eligible consumers.
The legal action, Bentley, et al. v. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., consolidates multiple cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. While LG denies any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to this settlement to prioritize customer satisfaction and avoid prolonged litigation. Preliminary court approval has been granted, and the claims process is now open, managed by Angeion Group, LLC.
This settlement pertains to specific LG refrigerator models manufactured between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. It addresses claims that these refrigerators are prone to compressor failures, resulting in inadequate cooling. Beyond the defect itself, the settlement also tackles concerns regarding LG’s original warranty and repair services.
Who is Eligible for the LG Refrigerator Settlement and Enhanced Customer Care Program?
Consumers who own or previously owned specific LG refrigerator models manufactured within the aforementioned dates are considered Settlement Class members. The key eligibility factor is experiencing a “No-Cooling Event” within five years of the refrigerator purchase date.
What Benefits Does the LG Settlement Offer?
The settlement provides several forms of relief to affected consumers:
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Cash Payments: If your LG refrigerator experienced cooling issues within five years of purchase, you could be eligible for a cash payment. An initial payment of up to $450 is available upon submitting a valid claim form under oath. You may be entitled to a larger payment if you can provide documentation like receipts, invoices, photos, or other evidence detailing losses related to the refrigerator malfunction. Covered losses include:
- Costs for parts and labor for refrigerator repairs.
- Expenses from unsuccessful or delayed repair attempts.
- The cost of replacing the malfunctioning LG refrigerator.
- Financial losses due to spoiled food, beverages, medicine, or other perishable items.
- Property damage resulting from leaks.
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Extended Warranty: For covered refrigerator models, the warranty is extended to five years from the original purchase date. This extended warranty encompasses all labor costs associated with cooling-related repairs within this period.
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Free Warranty Service (Limited Time): Even if your original warranty has expired, the LG Enhanced Customer Care Program includes a provision for free warranty service for cooling issues for a limited time. This offers immediate assistance to consumers currently experiencing problems.
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LG Enhanced Customer Care Program – A Deeper Look: Beyond immediate financial relief and warranty extensions, LG is implementing a comprehensive Enhanced Customer Care Program designed to improve the overall customer experience for refrigerator owners. This program includes several key initiatives:
- Dedicated Refrigerator Customer Care Team: A specialized team with live operator support will be available to specifically address refrigerator cooling issues. This aims to provide faster and more effective assistance when problems arise.
- Increased Service Technicians: LG is increasing the number of service technicians to handle repair requests more efficiently and reduce wait times for service appointments.
- Faster Repair Service: The program focuses on streamlining repair processes to ensure quicker resolution of cooling problems, minimizing inconvenience for consumers.
- New Mobile Service Application: Service technicians will utilize a new mobile application designed to improve diagnostic accuracy and repair efficiency in the field.
- Investment in Parts and Software Upgrades: LG is investing in research and development to improve the cooling performance of its refrigerators through upgraded parts and software. This proactive approach aims to prevent future issues.
- Proactive Consumer Outreach Program: LG will implement a program to proactively communicate with consumers about refrigerator maintenance and potential issues, ensuring owners are informed and can take preventative measures.
- Enhanced Support for Multiple No-Cooling Events: The LG Enhanced Customer Care Program goes further by offering additional cash payments to qualifying Settlement Class Members who experience multiple “No-Cooling Events” within the extended warranty period. This provides extra protection and compensation for persistent issues.
How to File a Claim and Learn More
The deadline to submit a claim form is January 11, 2021. To determine if your LG refrigerator model is included in the settlement, to access the claim form, and to get detailed information about the LG Enhanced Customer Care Program, visit the official settlement website: www.LGFridgeSettlement.com. You can also call the LG Settlement Toll-Free Number at (855) 918-4661.
The settlement website provides a comprehensive list of affected LG refrigerator models, important dates, court documents, and answers to frequently asked questions. Claim forms can be submitted online through the website, via email to [email protected], or by mail to LG Fridge Settlement, Attn: Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Class Counsel, appointed by the Court, believes this settlement offers significant benefits to Settlement Class members through cash payments, warranty extensions, and the LG Enhanced Customer Care Program. Importantly, Settlement Class Members will not be responsible for Class Counsel’s attorneys’ fees or settlement administration costs, as these will be paid separately by LG, subject to court approval.
For any further inquiries or to initiate your claim, please visit www.LGFridgeSettlement.com.
