The product liability lawyers at Pond Lehocky Giordano are handling injury and wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of consumers harmed by defective electric pressure cookers, or “instant pots.” These pressure cookers have been found to harbor serious design flaws and defects, leading to the expulsion of scalding liquids that severely burn and disfigure users.
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one has experienced severe or fatal injuries due to a defective pressure cooker or instant pot. Our expert team of product liability lawyers is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your pain, suffering, and medical bills. You and your family deserve the ability to face the future with confidence. With over 250 years of combined courtroom experience and a track record of over 100,000 successful cases, the experienced trial lawyers at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP are more than qualified to represent your case. We are no stranger to taking on major corporations and insurance companies in a court of law.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal experts, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
How do pressure cookers and instant pots work?
Pressure cookers and instant pots have gained significant popularity as kitchen appliances. These devices use pressurized hot steam within a sealed container to cook various foods quickly while maintaining moisture and tenderness.
Generally, all of these devices work via a process that applies direct heat to the liquid inside the cooking pot (such as water or broth), which then generates steam. The cooker’s pot is designed to be airtight, acting as a pressure chamber once heated. This process rapidly increases both the pressure and temperature inside the pot, quickly cooking food at temperatures above the normal boiling point.
What defects cause pressure cookers and instant pots to explode?
Defective parts and insufficient safety features in several brands of pressure cookers have been found to compound the risk of explosion and subsequent injury. Common causes of catastrophic malfunction include:
Loose lid locks, seals, and gaskets
Due to the main feature of pressure cookers – cooking food under enormous pressure – airtight lids and safety features that lock those lids are critical. If the pressure can overcome the seal, the resulting explosion could easily cause serious burns to the user.
Poor or easily clogged vents and steam release valves
At times, pressure cookers need to vent excess steam to prevent pressure from increasing to dangerous levels. If the vents, ducts, or valves intended to release steam are defective or insufficient, tremendous amounts of steam can be released at once, leading to explosions.
Faulty wiring
A number of safety mechanisms (i.e. for thermal sensors, pressure valves, and lid-locking systems) in pressure cookers can fail due to faulty wiring. This can lead to explosions or even electrocutions. If a digital indicator malfunctions, a user can potentially be misled about the status of the pressure cooker. For example, the pressure cooker may indicate that it is safe to open the lid when it is still hazardous to do so.
What are the most common pressure cooker explosion injuries named in lawsuits?
Because pressure cooker malfunctions can lead to such catastrophic explosions, the resulting injuries can be quite severe and even lethal. Most product liability lawsuits about pressure cookers have named the following injuries:
Pressure cooker burns
One of the most frequently reported injuries associated with pressure cooker malfunctions is burns. These injuries can range from first-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer of skin, to more severe third-degree burns that penetrate deeper tissues and can cause significant scarring or even necessitate amputation in the most severe cases. The intense heat, often exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with the pressurized steam, can cause these burns instantly upon contact with the skin. Victims of such injuries may face long recovery periods, extensive medical treatment, and the possibility of permanent disfigurement.
Lacerations and cuts from pressure cooker explosions
When a pressure cooker explodes, the shrapnel-like debris from the device – as well as the food that was being cooked – can be propelled at high velocity, striking anyone nearby. Such incidents can lead to lacerations, puncture wounds, and other forms of physical trauma that necessitate immediate medical attention and can result in infection or permanent scarring.
Permanent scarring and disfigurement from pressure cooker explosions
The aftermath of pressure cooker explosions can extend beyond the immediate physical injuries. Victims may experience scarring and disfigurement that persist long after the incident. The psychological impact of these physical changes can be profound, affecting an individual’s self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life. The need for ongoing medical treatments, such as skin grafts or cosmetic surgery, adds financial strain to the emotional burden, making the road to recovery a long and challenging one.
Electrocutions from defective pressure cookers
Electric pressure cookers introduce an additional risk factor: the potential for electrocution. When these devices malfunction, especially in conjunction with an explosion, the combination of steam, hot water, and electrical components can create a conductive path to the user. Such incidents can lead to electrical burns, shocks, and other serious injuries that may require specialized medical treatment.
Catastrophic injuries from pressure cooker explosions
Some pressure cooker explosions result in catastrophic injuries, including severe damage to the eyes and face, potentially leading to blindness, or even traumatic brain injuries due to the force of the explosion. These types of injuries are among the most serious, often requiring long-term or lifelong medical care, and can significantly impair a person’s ability to lead a normal life.
Wrongful death due to pressure cooker explosions
In the most tragic cases, the injuries sustained from a defective pressure cooker can be fatal. These incidents not only end a life prematurely but also leave families grappling with the loss of a loved one. In such situations, legal recourse may include wrongful death lawsuits, which aim to provide some measure of compensation for the emotional and financial toll on the victim’s family.
If you have been injured in a pressure cooker explosion, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to treat your injuries. Go to the emergency room or urgent care, if needed – it is critical to treat any injury related to a pressure cooker explosion as soon as you can. Getting your injuries treated promptly can not only be crucial for your health or even your survival, but also will help the strength of your potential lawsuit.
How can a lawyer help with your pressure cooker lawsuit?
Navigating the complex terrain of a defective pressure cooker lawsuit can seem like an insurmountable challenge for those who have suffered injuries due to a malfunctioning device. The intricacies of civil litigation demand not just a keen eye for detail but also a deep understanding of legal principles and procedures. This is where the expertise of a product liability lawyer becomes invaluable. Having extensive experience with cases involving defective products, these legal professionals are instrumental in guiding victims through the process, ensuring their rights are protected while advocating for fair compensation.
Demonstrating Mitigation Efforts
Victims of defective pressure cooker incidents are tasked with showing that they have taken steps to mitigate their injuries. This means that they must have sought medical attention and followed through with prescribed treatments to minimize the effects of their injuries. A product liability lawyer helps their clients document their medical journeys and demonstrate their efforts to recover. This documentation is critical, as it not only affects the potential compensation but also reinforces the seriousness of the injuries and the victim’s commitment to healing.
Navigating the Statute of Limitations
The legal window for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is a crucial factor in defective product cases. Waiting too long to initiate legal action can result in the expiration of the statute, effectively barring the possibility of filing a claim. Product liability lawyers are acutely aware of these time constraints and the variations in deadlines from one jurisdiction to another. They ensure that all necessary steps are taken promptly, from the initial consultation through the filing of the lawsuit, safeguarding against the risk of a voided claim due to procedural oversights.
Advocacy and Representation
Beyond the technical aspects of building a case, product liability lawyers serve as steadfast advocates for the rights and interests of those injured by defective pressure cookers. They navigate the negotiations with manufacturers and their legal teams, aiming to secure a settlement that adequately compensates for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the injuries. In situations where a fair settlement cannot be reached, these lawyers are prepared to represent their clients in court, leveraging their litigation experience to argue the case before a judge or jury.
Providing Support and Guidance
The journey through a lawsuit can be emotionally taxing for victims and their families. Product liability lawyers understand the weight of this process and offer not just legal representation but also support and guidance. They become trusted advisors, explaining each step of the legal process in understandable terms, addressing concerns, and providing updates on the progress of the case. This support is invaluable, as it helps alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with legal proceedings, allowing clients to focus more fully on their recovery.
Ensuring Comprehensive Compensation
A key goal in any defective pressure cooker lawsuit is securing compensation that fully addresses the scope of the victim’s losses. This includes not only medical expenses but also lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, long-term care or rehabilitation costs. Product liability lawyers are skilled in quantifying these damages as they argue for a comprehensive compensation package that reflects the true extent of the impact on the victim’s life. Their expertise ensures that no aspect of the victim’s suffering is overlooked, maximizing the potential for a just outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
Which brands of pressure cookers have been recalled?
On August 10, 2023, Sensio recalled their Bella, Bella Pro Series, Cooks, and Crux electric and stovetop pressure cookers due to their burn hazards. On October 26, 2023, Best Buy recalled their Insignia pressure cookers, sold via Amazon and Best Buy, due to similar burn hazards. Looking further back, Instant Pot recalled about 1,000 units of their “Smart” model pressure cookers on July 15, 2015.
Although Tristar Power pressure cookers have reportedly caused a large number of injuries – and been named in numerous lawsuits, leading to a general consumer settlement from Tristar – no recall has been issued at the time of writing.
What damages can victims of defective pressure cookers pursue in a lawsuit?
Victims of pressure cooker explosions or malfunctions can seek compensation for permanent scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of income and future earning capacity, emotional distress, long-term disability, property damage, and punitive damages.
What can cause a pressure cooker to explode?
A wide range of defects can cause catastrophic pressure cooker malfunctions that may lead to explosions. These can include ventilation issues, release valve problems, electrical faults, lid issues, and faulty seals.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has experienced significant injuries or died as a result of a defective pressure cooker or instant pot, our product liability lawyers can help you decide on the right course of action and help determine if you are entitled to compensation from the product’s manufacturer, retailer, or other involved parties. We offer free consultations with our attorneys so that we can help you better understand your legal options and the strength of your case. For more information, call Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
