Samsung Galaxy Earbuds Cause Allergic, Inflammatory Reaction, Claims Class Action

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Samsung Galaxy Earbuds Class Action Lawsuit Overview:  

• Who: A New Jersey consumer lodged a class action lawsuit against Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
• Why: The plaintiff claims that a defect in Samsung Galaxy earbuds can cause irritation and even an allergic reaction in users.  
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.  

Samsung Galaxy earbuds are made of a material that can cause users to experience “itching, burning, redness, blistering, flaking, scabbing and/or fluid leaking” from their ears, according to a class action lawsuit filed in New Jersey federal court Thursday.  

Lead plaintiff, Cheryl Westerkamp, wants to represent consumers nationwide who purchased Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones. She claims that Samsung knew of the problem, but continued to sell the earbuds anyway.  

Westerkamp, a New Jersey resident, says she spent more than $200 on a pair of Samsung Galaxy earbuds in April. She claims that shortly after using the pricey headphones, she began to experience soreness in her ears.  

The plaintiff says that, initially, she could not figure out the problem, and she continued using the Samsung Galaxy earbuds, but her ears began “scabbing, flaking, oozing.” 

Westerkamp says she stopped using the product in July and contacted the company. She claims she was instructed to spend another $22 on aftermarket foam tips to use with her Samsung Galaxy earbuds; however, the plaintiff claims the tips did not help and she is now left with Samsung Galaxy earbuds and foam tips she cannot use.  

Complaints About Allergic Reactions to Samsung Galaxy Earbuds 

Samsung Galaxy earbuds have been on the market for months and, prior to their release, the company sold many other in-ear headphones, points out the class action lawsuit.  

“Based on the numerous reports in the public domain of the Defect manifesting within days or weeks of regular use, on information and belief, Samsung received calls, communications, correspondence, or warranty claims from consumers regarding the Defect with the Earbuds as early as January 2021,” states the complaint.  

Indeed, despite the complaints, Westerkamp says she and other consumers were still able to purchase allegedly defective Samsung Galaxy earbuds months later — paying hundreds of dollars for a product they expected to last many years.  

Further, Westerkamp says that she and other Class Members are forced to pay out-of-pocket for any medical treatment they require for allergic reactions to Samsung Galaxy earbuds.  

The plaintiff accuses Samsung of fraud and unjust enrichment. She wants the company to reimburse a nationwide Class of consumers, along with a New Jersey subclass, for the purchase of their Samsung Galaxy earbuds. Westercamp also wants Samsung to pay for any out-of-pocket medical costs and the purchase of aftermarket products used in an attempt to alleviate the problems caused by the product.  

This is far from the first consumer to complain about Samsung products. The company has faced class action lawsuits for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 defects, 3D Smart TV Capacitors, shattering Galaxy cameras, and leaky remote control batteries.  

Have you had any issues with Samsung Galaxy earbuds? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below! 

The plaintiff is represented by Matthew R. Mendelsohn of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, LLC.  

The Samsung Galaxy Earbuds Class Action Lawsuit is Westerkamp v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Case No. 2:21-cv-15639 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  

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