Samsung Galaxy Watch Bands Lawsuit: Are Harmful Chemicals Hiding in the Straps?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Samsung Galaxy Watch bands contain PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," posing potential health risks to consumers. 

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Samsung Galaxy Watch bands.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch bands, promoted as sleek, health-conscious accessories, may not be as safe as advertised. That’s according to a lawsuit filed by a California consumer, who alleges that certain bands contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), raising questions about the materials used in the products.

Plaintiff Anthony Ray Gonzalez filed the complaint in a California federal court, claiming that Samsung’s marketing misled customers into believing the watch bands were designed with health and safety in mind.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Bands Contain PFAS, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit targets several Galaxy Watch band models, including the Fluoroelastomer Band, Sport Band, Rugged Sport Band, and others. According to the complaint, these products were marketed to health-conscious consumers without disclosing the presence of PFAS—synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

Gonzalez claims Samsung’s marketing emphasized health and wellness, creating the expectation that the watch bands were safe for daily wear. However, the lawsuit alleges that PFAS, commonly used for durability and water resistance, are present in the materials and were not disclosed to buyers.

Consumers Misled by Samsung's Marketing

Gonzalez argues that Samsung’s branding led customers to believe the watch bands were free from harmful chemicals. The filing states that consumers reasonably expect products marketed for health and wellness to meet higher safety standards, including full transparency about materials.

“Consumers rely on manufacturers to disclose significant safety risks, especially for products intended for prolonged skin contact,” the lawsuit claims. Gonzalez alleges that Samsung’s failure to inform buyers about PFAS violates consumer trust.

Samsung Faces Other Lawsuits Over Product Safety

This isn’t the first time Samsung has faced consumer complaints over product safety. In 2024, the company was sued over claims that its ranges had defective knobs that could turn on accidentally, potentially causing fires.

In the Samsung Galaxy Watch class action lawsuit, Gonzalez is seeking to represent a nationwide class of customers who purchased the Galaxy Watch bands within the applicable statute of limitations, as well as a California subclass for state residents. The filing demands compensatory and punitive damages, along with declaratory and injunctive relief, to address the alleged issues.

Gonzalez also requests that Samsung update its marketing to reflect the presence of PFAS and implement measures to ensure future transparency in product labeling.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Gonzalez, et al. v. Samsung Electronics America Inc. 
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-11234
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Ryan Clarkson, Yana Hart, Mark Richards and Tiara Avaness (Clarkson Law Firm P.C.)

Do you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.