Israeli Nurse Seeks $32,000 Compensation From Samsung Over Smartwatch Burn
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
An Israeli nurse is demanding 120,000 shekels from Samsung after allegedly suffering a second-degree burn from his new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Stefan de Plano claims the smartwatch overheated within minutes of him wearing it on September 12, causing injury to his wrist. Samsung stated they are investigating but need the watch for technical examination, which has not yet been provided. This incident follows previous international reports of burns linked to Samsung smartwatches and similar issues with other brands.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli nurse Stefan de Plano seeks 120,000 shekels from Samsung over a smartwatch burn.
- De Plano claims his Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 caused a second-degree burn on September 12.
- Samsung stated the watch is needed for technical examination to investigate the incident.
- The nurse also seeks a new watch and reimbursement for expenses.
- Previous burn allegations against Samsung smartwatches have been reported internationally.
- Fitbit recalled smartwatches in 2022 due to overheating and burn risks.
A registered nurse from Shlomi, working in the emergency room at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, claims his new Samsung smartwatch caused him a second-degree burn. Stefan de Plano purchased a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 on September 8 and wore it starting September 12. He alleges that within minutes of putting it on, the device became extremely hot and injured his hand. The smartwatch reportedly ceased functioning properly afterward, and may have sustained physical distortion due to the heat.
A medical summary from September 14 documented de Plano's complaint of a new watch overheating, with the examining physician noting a "second-degree burn consistent with the watch's location." He received gel treatment and pain medication, and photographs show a blister and redness on his wrist. The exact technical cause of the alleged overheating has not yet been determined.
De Plano, who also serves in the reserves as a medical team member in a combat brigade, is seeking 120,000 shekels (approximately $32,000 USD) in compensation, a new watch, and reimbursement for expenses. His lawyers sent a letter of demand to Samsung Israel on September 23, stating that the incident was recorded on his home security cameras, and he also took videos and photos. They argue the injury has caused him pain, required treatment, and impacted his ability to perform physical work.
Samsung Israel stated that they are handling the inquiry and that the watch has not yet been received for technical examination, which is necessary to investigate the incident's circumstances. They added that the company markets innovative products of uncompromising quality and takes all inquiries seriously. Previously, there have been international reports of burns attributed to Samsung smartwatches, though Samsung's past responses indicated no defects were found. Other smartwatch brands have also faced similar burn allegations, with Fitbit recalling its Ionic watches in 2022 due to battery overheating concerns, leading to a $12.25 million fine for delayed reporting of the risk.