Court Grants Electrolux Summary Judgment

Skadden secured summary judgment on behalf of Electrolux in a case involving the company's front-load washing machines. The plaintiffs alleged that the machines have a design defect because they are prone to develop mold and mildew and that Electrolux failed to adequately inform users that special maintenance may be required to prevent the machines from developing unpleasant odors. On September 17, Judge James G. Carr of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio granted Electrolux summary judgment, agreeing with Electrolux that the plaintiffs’ key expert was not qualified to testify about the washing machine’s alleged design defects.