CHICAGO, Illinois - April 9, 2001 - Illinois consumers are one step closer to stronger legal protection for their defective PC's, after the Illinois House of Representatives approved "The Computer Lemon Act." The Act, or House Bill 1046, which was sponsored by State Rep. George Scully (D-Flossmoor), passed by an overwhelming majority of 110 to 1. Under the legislation, a manufacturer would have two attempts to fix a defective computer within the first 24 months of use, or the consumer would be entitled to a full refund or a brand new unit. The bill now moves to the Illinois Senate.
In a study done by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, as of August 2000, 53.7 million households in the U.S. had computers. The numbers of households with computers has risen by 21% since December of 1998 and computer penetration is up by almost 40% since 1997. With the average price ranging from $1500 to $3000, a computer has become a major purchase for consumers of all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
Michael Borowiec of Chicago Illinois contacted Adam Krohn of Krohn & Moss, Ltd. when his $3800 Gateway Performance 600 would not perform. After 8 unsuccessful attempts to repair the defective unit, Borowiec claims, "I did not get what I paid for. Gateway promised everything and delivered nothing." Krohn & Moss, Ltd. is a Chicago Law firm that handles thousands of claims involving defective consumers products and vehicles. According to Mr. Krohn, "As computer sales rise, stronger consumer protection is needed for "lemon" computers, and the bill provides for this."
"Consumers are rarely entitled to a full refund under the current law. If a computer performs below standard, or doesn't perform at all, the manufacturer will have to make good with a brand new computer or money back," adds Mr. Krohn. Krohn & Moss Ltd. offers a free consultation for consumers with a defective PC or vehicle, via their website, www.yourlemonlawrights.com or by calling toll free 1-888 MY LEMON. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. also handles claims in Ohio, Indiana, Arizona and Wisconsin.
Mr. Krohn is available for an interview by calling toll free, 1-888 MY LEMON(888-695-3666) ext. 222, or by e-mail, akrohn@consumerlawcenter.com