Whirlpool Gets First Nod For Dishwasher Leak Deal Worth Millions

Whirlpool Corp.'s proposed settlement with consumers who say their dishwashers leaked due to a defective seal, estimated to be worth up to $21.3 million, received preliminary approval from a federal judge in Minnesota.

The tentative deal would end lawsuits in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California alleging that millions of dishwashers contain a diverter shaft seal that could allow leaking. The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota held in July that Whirlpool had to face most of the consumer claims in the suits.

After that decision, the plaintiffs in all four suits filed a consolidated complaint for settlement purposes. ...