Woman scalded when microwave door strikes pot lid: Burns: Improper installation: Verdict

Law Reporter, May 2003

Nardelli v. Allmake Appliance, N.J., Bergen County Super. Ct., No. BER-L-7073-99, June 20, 2002.

Nardelli, 45, bought a new stove and microwave from an appliance store. Store employees installed the microwave over the stove in Nardelli's kitchen. While she was cooking, Nardelli opened the door of the microwave. It struck the lid of a pot on the stove, knocking the boiling contents onto her. Nardelli suffered second-degree burns over 8 percent of her body. Her medical expenses totaled approximately $16,500. The owner of a business that conducts corporate training programs, Nardelli missed time from work and had to hire outside services to help with her business, causing lost profits of between approximately $155,800 and $176,600.

Nardelli and her husband sued the appliance store, alleging improper installation of the stove and microwave. Plaintiffs claimed they would not have bought the appliances had they known that the microwave did not fit properly above the stove. Defendant argued that plaintiffs knew the microwave was installed lower than the manufacturer's requirements, but chose to have it installed anyway.

A jury awarded approximately $1 million, including $750,000 for pain and suffering. It found Nardelli 30 percent responsible for her injuries, reducing the net award to $563,800.