A couple from Pennsylvania has taken legal action against a major appliance manufacturer and two service companies, claiming negligence and breach of warranty. Michael and Megan Cavanagh filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 2025, targeting Whirlpool Corporation, Platinum Factory Service, and After Hours Appliance Repair, Inc.
The lawsuit stems from an incident involving a Jennair refrigerator manufactured by Whirlpool that allegedly caused significant water damage to the Cavanaghs' property. According to the complaint, the plaintiffs purchased the refrigerator for their home at 219 Canterwood Drive in Venetia, PA. They had engaged Platinum Factory Service and After Hours Appliance Repair for installation and repair services prior to August 1, 2023. On that date, the refrigerator reportedly failed due to a defect in its inlet fitting and valve body, leading to substantial water damage.
The Cavanaghs accuse Whirlpool of strict liability under Section 402A of the Restatement (2d) of Torts for marketing a defective product that was unreasonably dangerous. They claim that Whirlpool knew or should have known about these defects but failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions. The plaintiffs also assert negligence on Whirlpool's part for not exercising reasonable care in manufacturing and inspecting the refrigerator.
Similarly, both Platinum Factory Service and After Hours Appliance Repair are accused of negligence and breach of warranties. The complaint alleges that these companies failed to detect or rectify the defect during their service visits despite having ample opportunity to do so. As a result, they placed the refrigerator back into service while it was still connected to a water source.
The plaintiffs seek damages not exceeding $50,000 from each defendant for repairs and associated costs resulting from the alleged defects. They demand judgment against all parties involved for interest, costs of suit, delay damages, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Michael and Megan Cavanagh is attorney James P. Carfagno from de Luca Levine LLC. The case is presided over by judges at the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County under Civil Action No: CVPDD008S350F420.