Hundreds of consumers have filed product liability lawsuits against pressure cooker manufacturers in recent years.
Pressure cookers have been a staple in kitchens for generations, providing a quick and convenient way to cook meals. However, in recent years, a number of lawsuits have been filed against pressure cooker manufacturers, alleging that their products are unsafe and can cause serious injuries.
The lawsuits allege that the pressure cookers had a design defect which caused the device to malfunction resulting in severe burns to the user. The following is what you need to know about defective pressure cooker lawsuits. If you have been injured by a pressure cooker, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Are Pressure Cookers?
Pressure cookers are cooking appliances that use steam pressure to cook food. The pressure inside the cooker increases, allowing the food to cook at a higher temperature than normal, which reduces cooking time. Pressure cookers are used to cook a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, roasts, and grains. They are also commonly used to preserve food, such as canning fruits and vegetables.
Why Are Pressure Cookers Dangerous?
Despite their popularity, pressure cookers can be dangerous if not used properly. The high pressure inside the cooker can cause the lid to fly off, leading to serious injuries from hot liquids and steam. Additionally, the pressure inside the cooker can cause the cooker to explode, leading to burns and other injuries.
What Are Pressure Cooker Lawsuits About?
Pressure cooker lawsuits are often filed against the manufacturers of these products, alleging that they are defective and unsafe. In some cases, plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with using a pressure cooker. In other cases, plaintiffs claim that the pressure cooker was designed in such a way that it was prone to exploding or releasing hot liquids.
Pressure cookers may have a design defect that causes them to malfunction during use and eject hot liquid and food upwards. This has caused numerous severe burns and other injuries. Some models also have a defect that causes the top lid to eject like a projectile and strike users in the face.
Pressure cookers are supposed to contain safety mechanisms that prevent the lid from coming off while under pressure. Defects occur when the safety mechanisms fail to protect consumers from the products’ hot contents. Potential defective safety features include:
- Silicone gaskets or rings: These features around the pot’s lip are supposed to prevent pressure and steam from escaping. Faulty seals or gaskets may cause the lid to open despite built-up pressure.
- Pressure Valves: Pressure valves are supposed to help pressure and steam safely escape the pressure cooker. Defective valves may cause unsafe pressure build-up.
- Safe-lock lids: Safe-lock lids are designed to prevent pressure build-up in improperly sealed lids.
- Sensors: The sensors are designed to regulate pressure and heat. They warn consumers when the product reaches high temperatures or pressures.
What Are the Consequences of a Pressure Cooker Injury?
If you have been injured by a pressure cooker, the consequences can be severe. The force of the explosing, the heat of the liquids… it is a recipe for serious injuries. Burns, scarring, and other physical injuries can be debilitating, leading to long-term pain and suffering. Additionally, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation can be substantial, making it difficult for injury victims to make ends meet.
In most pressure cooker lawsuits our lawyers see, severe thermal burns from extremely hot liquid or steam are the primary injury referenced in pressure cooker explosion lawsuits. They can result in infections, scarring, and disfigurement. Thermal burns can cause muscle or subcutaneous tissue damage. People suffering from burns could develop emotional issues, including depression, nightmares, and flashbacks. Other physical injuries include eye injuries, scrapes, cuts, traumatic brain injuries.
Recovered damages from defective pressure cooker-related injuries include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Who Are Common Defendants in Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
Brands referenced in pressure cooker explosion lawsuits include, but are not limited to:
- Crock-Pot
- Cuisinart
- Instant Pot
- Ninja Foodi
- NuWave
- Presto
- Wolfgang Puck
Who Qualifies for a Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
People who suffered from severe burns or other injuries following a pressure-cooking explosion qualify to file suit. Parents can file suit on their child’s behalf. Attorneys can accept lawsuits involving products purchased before or after specific dates, depending on the pressure cooker brand and model.
November 2020 Crock-Pot recall
On November 24, 2020, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Sunbeam Product recalled its Crock-Pot 6-Quarter Express Crock Multi-Cookers. The agency reported that the recalled product’s lid could suddenly detach and eject hot liquid or food. This recall affected over 914,000 units that were manufactured between July 2017 and October 2018. The CPSC recommended that consumers discontinue using the product in pressure cooker mode. However, it permitted using the product to slow cook and sauté food. The CPSC recommended contacting Crock-Pot to receive a replacement lid. It received almost 120 reports of detached lids. Ninety-nine of them involved first- to third-degree burns.
July 2021 lawsuit against Instant Brands in Ohio federal court
On July 16, 2021, an Ohio woman filed suit against Instant Brands in federal court. She alleged that its Instant Pot Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker contained a defect that caused her injuries. The woman used the pressure cooker on July 26, 2019. She opened the lid while pressurized. This caused hot liquid to be ejected on the woman. As a result, she suffered severe burn injuries. The woman claimed defective manufacturing and design, negligence, and implied warranty breach against Instant.
August 2021 lawsuit against Sunbeam and Newell in South Carolina
A South Carolina man filed suit against Sunbeam Products and Newell Brands on August 2, 2021 in federal court. The man alleged that their Crock-Pot Pressure Cooker caused severe injuries. He used the device on November 17, 2019. The pressure cooker indicated that the meal was cooked, which would have made it safe to open. The man removed the lid. Hot liquid subsequently spewed out of the pressure cooker. The man suffered severe burns as a result. He claimed strict liability, negligence, warranty breaches, and failure to warn against Sunbeam and Newell.
September 2021 pressure cooker lawsuit against Groupe SEB USA in New Jersey
On September 3, 2021, a Texas woman filed suit against Groupe SEB USA in New Jersey Superior Court. She alleged that its Mirro Pressure Cookers’ defects caused her severe injuries. The woman removed the pressure cooker’s lid while its contents were pressurized. However, she did not know that at the time. The pressure cooker’s safety system failed. As a result, the woman was sprayed with its hot contents. She suffered severe burns. The woman alleged negligence, defective design, and failed to warn against Groupe GEB.
October 2021 pressure cooker lawsuit against Sensio in California
On October 10, 2021, a woman filed suit against Sensio in California federal court. The woman alleged that the Bella 6 Quart 10 on 1 Multi Cooker’s defective design caused her severe injuries. She used the product on November 13, 2019. The device exploded while the woman attempted to open it. Hot liquid and steam spewed on her. The woman suffered severe burns as a result. She claimed strict liability, negligence, express and implied warranty breaches, and failure to warn against Sensio.
December 2021 pressure cooker lawsuit against Aldi in Illinois
On December 14, 2021, an Illinois woman filed suit against supermarket chain Aldi in federal court. She alleged that its Ambiano 6 in 1 Programmable Pressure Cooker contained a defect that caused her injuries. The woman used the product on January 2, 2020. The pressure cooker’s lid could be rotated and opened, which caused the hot contents to be ejected from it. As a result, the woman suffered severe burns. The woman alleged strict liability, negligence, and implied warranty breaches against Aldi.
January 2022 pressure cooker lawsuit against Faberware in Michigan
On January 13, 2022, a Detroit woman filed suit against Farberware in federal court. She alleged that the Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker contained a defect that caused her injuries. She used the product on January 19, 2019. The woman rotated and opened while still under pressure. As a result, hot liquid ejected onto the woman, causing severe burns. The woman claimed strict liability and negligence against Farberware.
November 2022 Ninja Cooker pressure cooker lawsuit
A Nebraska woman using a pressure cooker was suffered third degree burns when she opened the cooker. She hired a pressure cooker lawyer to sue SharkNinja, the maker of her Ninja electric pressure cooker. Her lawsuit alleges the product defect enabled her to open the lid while the cooker still retained a great deal of pressure.