Washing clothes seems like a simple enough task, but for one mother it could’ve injured her and her child.
Melissa Thaxton was in her Paulding County home when her top-loading Samsung washing machine exploded in her face, Channel 2 Action News reported.
“It was the loudest sound,” she said. “It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear. There were wires, nuts (and) the actual top was laying on the floor.”
Thaxton’s 4-year-old son was near the explosion.
“I just remember covering my head and leaning over towards my son,” she said, “and just screaming this scream that I didn’t even know I could scream.”
Now the mother is suing Samsung, Channel 2 reported. According to her lawyer, a support rod became unfastened during the spin cycle.
Samsung said the affected top-loading washing machines were made between March 2011 and April 2016, according to a news release. According to a report from ABC News, 21 people have reported having Samsung washing machine explosions since last year.
In response, Samsung said it is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to address safety issues. The company also recommends using washers on lower speed cycles.
“In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items,” the company said in a release.
Samsung said many of its customers have completed loads without any problems since 2011.
Customers are urged to visit www.samsung.com/us/support/tlw or call 1-844-483-3881 if they have questions.
Thaxton told Channel 2 she hopes the lawsuit raises concerns for other parents.
“If that would have hit my child, it would have been catastrophic,” she said. “That’s why I’m speaking out.”
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