Toxic Flooring Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Lumber Liquidators

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Lumber Liquidators, alleging the flooring retailer marketed and sold laminate flooring containing illegal levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a common glue ingredient used in the base layer of the composite laminate flooring. The chemical is linked to increased risk of nose, sinus, and lung cancers, as well as leukemia, after long-term exposure.

Lead Plaintiff Jacqueline C. brought the proposed Lumber Liquidators class action lawsuit on behalf of herself and tens of thousands of consumers who purchased and installed the allegedly defective Chinese-made laminate flooring. Jacqueline and the Class Members claim that they would not have purchased or installed the flooring from Lumber Liquidators if they were aware that the flooring contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde.

The proposed Lumber Liquidators class action lawsuit further accuses the defendant of falsely and deceptively representing the formaldehyde levels and safety of the flooring. The proposed flooring class action lawsuit is seeking class member damages for restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees, as well an order for Lumber Liquidators to engage in a corrective advertising campaign. A jury trial has been demanded.

Toxic Formaldehyde Flooring

Lumber Liquidators, which reportedly had estimated annual sales of $1.1 billion in 2014, is one of the largest specialty retailers of laminate and hardwood flooring in the United States. It has over 340 stores in 46 states, including 36 stores in California.

Recently published tests conducted by two independent labs for CBS News’ “60 Minutes” have shown that certain laminate flooring manufactured in China and sold by Lumber Liquidators emits unsafe levels of formaldehyde gas. The emissions far exceed the legal limit under California law, even though Lumber Liquidators’ packaging and website represent that all of the company’s flooring complies with California’s regulations governing formaldehyde, even the flooring sold outside of California.

The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a “probable human carcinogen.” National Cancer Institute researchers have concluded that, based on data from studies in people and from lab research, exposure to formaldehyde may cause leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in humans.

Formaldehyde also causes burning eyes, nose and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, joint pain, and nausea. Formaldehyde has also been linked to the exacerbation of asthma in sensitive individuals.

Lumber Liquidators Class Action Lawsuit

If you purchased laminate wood flooring from Lumber Liquidators, you may be able to test your floors for elevated levels of formaldehyde. You and your loved ones may also be entitled to compensation for health problems, medical expenses, lost wages, or other injuries caused by toxic flooring in your home.

The Lumber Liquidators Class Action Lawsuit, filed April 27, 2015, is Jacqueline C. v. Lumber Liquidators, Inc., et al., Case No. 0:15-cv-60891-JIC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

UPDATE: Several Lumber Liquidators class action lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), or mass tort, and transferred to a Virginia federal court by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), alleging that the flooring company sold wood floors containing toxic levels of formaldehyde.

Join a Free Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators, you may have a legal claim. Join a free class action lawsuit investigation to see if you qualify.

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