Court. (Photo = Yonhap News Agency)

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A South Korean court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance against Samsung Electronics, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove a product defect in a refrigerator allegedly linked to an apartment fire.



On July 12, Judge Bang Chang-hyun of the Seoul Central District Court rejected Meritz’s claim for 52 million won (approx. $37,000), stating that “no evidence confirms a defect in the refrigerator.” The insurer was also ordered to cover litigation costs.



The case stemmed from a February 2023 fire in an apartment in Gangneung, which damaged several units and appliances. Meritz paid insurance claims to affected residents and later filed suit against Samsung, alleging the fire was caused by a defect in one of its refrigerators.



Samsung denied the allegation, arguing that no causal link had been established. The court agreed, citing reports from the fire department and the National Forensic Service that pointed to the refrigerator’s vicinity as the likely origin but concluded that the exact cause of ignition remained undetermined.



The judge noted that mechanical or electrical causes could not be ruled out and emphasized the importance of proper maintenance for aging appliances. The refrigerator in question was a second-hand unit passed down from a relative and installed without professional oversight, further weakening Meritz’s case.



Given the lack of conclusive evidence and the possibility of improper installation and maintenance, the court found no basis for holding Samsung liable. Meritz did not appeal, making the verdict final.

 

 

 

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