PITTSBURGH — Samsung and others are facing a lawsuit from an insurance provider seeking reimbursement for more than $1 million of fire damage allegedly caused by a defective battery system in a cordless sweeper.
Great Northern Insurance Company filed a complaint Sept. 9 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Tacony Corporation, Tornado Industries Inc., and Samsung SDI Co., LTD alleging strict liability and negligence.
According to the plaintiff's complaint, Great Northern issued an insurance policy to Dollar Bank Federal Savings Bank for coverage at its commercial property on West Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh. It claims that on Sept. 26, 2019, the cordless sweeper, manufactured by Tacony and Tornado, which was used by the Dollar Bank Federal's janitorial service to clean the bank, was stored in the ATM closet after use.
Great Northern alleges that evening, a fire ignited at the sweeper which caused "substantial damage" to the bank and that the fire was caused by the defective Samsung lithium battery. The plaintiff also alleges it honored Dollar Bank Federal's $1,006,814.25 claim for the damage caused by the fire. It claims that Tacony and Tornado failed to properly design its sweeper's battery management system and that Samsung failed to ensure its battery was free from defects.
Great Northern seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million and all other just relief. It is represented by Jason Plaza of Bunker & Ray in Philadelphia.