Class action filed against lock manufacturer Kaba

A Reserve locksmith has filed a class action against the manufacturers of push button door locks which allegedly can be rendered ineffective with a commercially available magnet.

Danny's Locksmith Inc. and Danny Siebenkittel, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed suit against Kaba Ilco Corp., Kaba Corp., Kaba Finance Corp., Kaba Benzing America, Kaba U.S. Holdings Ltd., Kaba Delaware, Kaba AG and Kaba Holdings AG on April 6 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the complaint, the push button door locks contain design defects that make them susceptible to opening by using various magnets. This renders the locks ineffective and unfit to perform the safety function, for which they were designed, the lawsuit states.

"As a result of a flaw in their design, the Locks can be opened by affixing a magnet to the outside of the Locks, which manipulates the internal mechanism and allows the Locks to be opened with ease and without inputting the necessary combination," state court documents.

The proposed class action will include all persons and entities, in the locksmith trade, who purchased any of the defective locks.

Causes of action filed against the defendants include negligence, strict product liability, failure to warn, breach of warranty, violation of state consumer protection statutes, common law fraud, unjust enrichment, deceit, fraud or misrepresentation and redhibition.

The lawsuit is asking the court for an award of compensatory damages, restitution or disgorgement, refund or reduction of the purchase price, interest, attorneys' fees and court costs.

The plaintiffs are represented by Camilo K. Salas III of Salas & Co. in New Orleans. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00731