Is the washing machine manufacturer responsible if it floods?
June 9, 2010 by
Filed under condo water damage
A short circuit in our washing machine caused it to turn on without us turning it on. It wouldn’t turn off, and flooded our condo and flood the condo beneath us. The condo beneath has water damage and needs drying. We do not have renters’ insurance. My questions is, is the washing machine manufacturer responsible if it floods and causes damage such as this? The damage is not my fault!
call your lawyer
Insurance is just that ….. considered an extra bill that you can do without – UNTIL somehting like this. It is an expense you CAN’T afford to be without as you have leant! Thing is you will have to PROVE to the manufacturer that it did indeed turn itself on and I don’t think you can. How do you know it short circuited ? Have you had the repair guy out and asked for a report ? Is it still under warranty ? If so call them and ask to get a repair guy out and ask him for a detailed report of the “problem” you may be able to use this report to make a claim but I’d try see if you can get some Community Legal Advice (try yr local library or Council) I think you are in US as you use the word “condo” so unsure of where to direct you.
Try the link below as this is for USA not UK and it may help somewhat
Good luck with it all and take photos or a video of any damage before it starts to dry up.
No. Their warranty will expressly state that they are not responsible for anything but the washer itself. I would not even waste money on a lawyer. If you sue a large company, they will “money you to death.” Also, you will be left with the burden of proof that it was, in fact, the washer that was at fault. Believe me, this will be super difficult to do.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news…
if the washing machine is in warranty period then manufacturer is responsible
You were libel the minute you brought the machine in the house. You should have had water turn off on the machine that automatically turns off the water when there’s an immediate pressure change. It’s for just this purpose. I have one on mine when I leave for the store etc. It will turn off the water supply automatically.
Maybe this will be a lesson to you to have renters insurance and ask the landlord if they have insurance for the other people otherwise get ready for court.
As in all of these circumstances, the USA is no different to the UK in that you will need to provide the evidence that the damage was caused by a fault in the machine. Talk with the people in the condo below and see if you can come to some agreement to limit the cost.