Walk Behind Lawn Mowers

Have a year old 46 deck mower. The belt broke at less than a year old. Had a backup mower and used it while the new mower was put up (Lowes was out of the belt) Just went to replace the belt and found out that the deck itself is bent which caused the belt to break. Considering the young age of the mower and the fact that nothing was hit with the mower how and why would the deck become bent? Seems like a major fault in the design and material. Needless to say that we are shocked at the quality of this mower. What type of warranty does a factory defect fall under?? I can take pictures of the mower if needed. Please advise as soon as possible.