Samsung Class Action Says Galaxy Smartphone Cameras Shatter

Samsung is facing a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit alleging that glass on certain Galaxy smartphone cameras spontaneously shatters, rendering the camera unusable.

Wisconsin plaintiff Dale Kessler says he purchased a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in December 2016, along with insurance for the smartphone.

One of reasons Kessler bought this particular Samsung smartphone was its “Dual Pixel Sensor” technology, as he wanted a smartphone that would allow him to take clear and detailed photos.

However, just eight days after he purchased the Samsung smartphone, Kessler noticed the glass covering the outward facing camera was shattered.

At the time, the device was resting on a counter and he heard a popping sound coming from the smartphone. When Kessler walked over to the phone, he discovered that the rear camera lens was shattered in the shape of a perfect circle.

When he contacted Samsung, Kessler says the company refused to replace the allegedly defective smartphone under the manufacturer’s warranty, insisting that he had caused the physical damage to the phone.

Unhappy with Samsung’s response, Kessler began researching online to see if other customers had experienced similar situations. He quickly discovered that many Samsung smartphone customers reported the exact same defect, manifesting under similar conditions, in each of the S7 series devices.

“Despite receiving numerous customer complaints describing the same issue, Samsung has consistently denied responsibility, instead blaming its customers and refusing to repair or refund the devices. Samsung has also failed to disclose the risk of this defect to the public,” the lawsuit states.

As a result of Samsung’s action, Kessler alleges that he and other consumers have suffered injury in fact and incurred fees and costs associated with the defective Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, and S7 Active. According to Kessler, a smartphone without a usable camera is a device with only partial functionality, and without a repair or refund from Samsung, consumers are left with limited options.

Kessler says that to replace the device at retail price would cost between $650 and $800, while replacing the device through insurance requires paying a deductible that may be between $175 and $250.

The plaintiff is seeking certification of a nationwide Class of persons who purchased or leased a Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, or Galaxy S7 Active.

Along with treble and punitive damages, the proposed class action is asking for relief in the form of an order enjoining Samsung from its “unfair business practices,” injunctive relief, restitution, and disgorgement in an amount to be determined at trial.

These allegations of the Galaxy smartphone camera glass randomly shattering come as Samsung has been under immense scrutiny over the past several months for defective products. The most notable defect plaguing their devices has been the Note 7 battery catching fire, but many other devices have suffered similar quality control issues, including a recall of exploding washing machines.

Kessler is represented by Lynn Sarko, Michael D. Woerner, Erin M. Riley and Alison S. Gaffney of Keller Rohrback LLP; and James A. Olson and Dixon R. Gahnz of Lawton & Cates SC.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera Shattering Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Kessler v. Samsung Electronics America Inc., Case No. 2:17-cv-00082-LA, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Division.