Auto-Owners (Mutual) Insurance Company has filed a lawsuit against major electronics manufacturer Samsung and retailer Best Buy, alleging that a defective stove caused a devastating fire at an Ohio residence. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on January 28, 2026, naming Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Best Buy Co., Inc. as defendants.
The case revolves around a Samsung Electric Slide-In Range purchased by James E. Adkins from Best Buy in Akron, Ohio. On February 5, 2024, the range allegedly activated without user intervention, leading to a fire that caused over $940,000 in damages to the Adkinses’ home in Medina, Ohio. Auto-Owners Insurance claims that the fire resulted from defects in the range’s design and manufacturing processes. According to the lawsuit, Mrs. Sherri Adkins inadvertently bumped into the range’s control knobs while placing her belongings nearby, which led to its activation due to insufficient safety mechanisms like detent force or adequate guarding.
The plaintiff argues that both Samsung and Best Buy were aware of these defects long before the incident but failed to take corrective action or issue timely recalls. They assert that Samsung had received numerous reports of similar incidents since 2013 but did not recall the product until August 2024—too late for the Adkins family. The lawsuit cites violations of multiple laws including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and seeks compensation for damages along with punitive measures against the defendants.
Auto-Owners is demanding judgment against Samsung and Best Buy for their alleged negligence and breach of implied warranties under Ohio law. They are seeking compensatory damages exceeding $939,000 already paid out under Mr. Adkins’ homeowner policy, along with statutory damages and attorney fees.
Representing Auto-Owners is Richard A. Schuster from Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer S.C., based in Hartford, Wisconsin. The case has been assigned Case No: 1:26-cv-00225.
Source: 126cv00225_Auto_Owners_Insurance_Company_v_Samsung_Electronics_America_Inc_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
