A disgruntled customer has filed a lawsuit against CAPRI Appliances Pvt Ltd, seeking US$25,000 in damages for injuries sustained two years ago when the door of a fridge they purchased fell on them.
Rosalind Jean Austin’s lawsuit, filed on September 19 at the Harare Civil Court, alleges that the fridge door fell on her after experiencing several problems while still under warranty.
Also Read: Chief Justice Malaba Opens New Courts in Triangle and Chiredzi
“The Plaintiff (Rosalind Jean Austin) and the Defendant (Capri Appliances Pvt Ltd) entered into a contract on 27 September 2022, for the purchase of a Capri fridge by the Plaintiff from the Defendant.
“Whilst the fridge was well within the warranty period, various faults came to light namely the compressor, to which the Defendant fixed.
“Quite contrary to its warranty, shortly after, the fridge developed a leak from its water dispenser, rendering it less functional than it ought to be, and this was attended to once more,” she said.
Austin claims that the fridge door fell on her in November 2023, resulting in injuries to her neck and back.
“On 1 November 2023, now the fridge door came off its hinges to the Plaintiff’s shock and collapsed on her, causing physical injuries including but not limited to severe arm, neck and back pain, and consequently, psychological trauma.
“Evidently, the Defendant has failed to honour its obligations to ensure safety and quality of its products as demanded by law, and has shown negligence through issuing a faulty product outside the confines of good manufacturing standards and the rights afforded to the Plaintiff.
Austin alleges that her attempts to contact CAPRI Appliances and seek compensation for the damages were unsuccessful.
“Despite further correspondence with the Defendant, the Defendant has now further neglected to consider the claim, denying liability for the physical injuries and trauma endured by the Plaintiff.
“In consequence of the Defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff has suffered damages amounting to the sum of $US25, 000.00, for medical costs and expenses, including future medical expenses to be incurred for psychological evaluations and further medical treatment. Pain and suffering, including permanent psychological distress, PTSD and anxiety,” read part of the summons.
The matter is still pending.
