A Louisiana woman has filed a lawsuit against a major electronics company, alleging that a defective phone caused her severe injuries. Jessica Carline lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on August 12, 2024, targeting Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
The case revolves around an incident on August 12, 2023, when Carline was using her Samsung Galaxy phone at her home in Rosedale, Louisiana. According to the complaint, the phone suddenly exploded during a conversation, causing third-degree burns to her ear. The plaintiff claims that this catastrophic event resulted from a defect present in the phone at the time of sale. "This is a civil action for damages arising out of a catastrophic incident involving a defective Samsung Galaxy phone," states the complaint. Carline is seeking full compensation for substantial physical, emotional, and financial harm under the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA) and negligence claims.
Carline's lawsuit details extensive injuries and ongoing medical treatment resulting from the explosion. She was transported by Acadian Ambulance Services to Baton Rouge General Medical Mid-City immediately after the incident. The ambulance report documented severe burns to her right ear. Since then, she has been receiving weekly care at the hospital's burn unit and continues to suffer from severe pain, ringing in her ears, dizziness, balance issues, anxiety, and insomnia. "The Plaintiff’s injuries are severe and permanent," reads the filing.
The complaint accuses Samsung Electronics America of manufacturing and selling an unreasonably dangerous product without ensuring its safety and reliability. It alleges that the company's negligence directly led to Carline's injuries. Citing case law such as Davis v. Toyota Motor Corp., which supports strict liability for manufacturers whose products cause harm due to defects, Carline's legal team argues that Samsung should be held accountable for failing to implement proper safety measures.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Carline is asking for compensatory damages covering medical expenses (both past and future), pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and other consequential damages like potential loss of earnings. Additionally, she seeks punitive damages due to what she describes as Samsung's gross negligence and willful disregard for consumer safety. "Punitive damages are appropriate where the Defendant's conduct is found to be particularly egregious," asserts the complaint.
Carline also requests injunctive relief to prevent Samsung from continuing to sell or distribute defective products that could harm other consumers. Her legal representation includes Felicia F Davis from Port Allen, Louisiana.
The case is presided over by Judge Shelly D Dick with Case ID: 3:24-cv-00656-SDD-EWD.