PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced serious burn injuries, disfigurement, or other injuries from an exploding PAM cooking spray can, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to these dangerous and defectively designed products. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit Overview

The PAM cooking spray lawsuits allege that Conagra Brands redesigned their aerosol cans in 2011, making them “faulty, dangerous and prone to explosion” near heat sources. At least 33 lawsuits were filed in 2019 alone, with plaintiffs suffering severe injuries including third-degree burns, medically-induced comas, and permanent disfigurement after cans exploded near hot stoves.

Despite multiple reported injuries, Conagra has not issued a recall for these products.

Latest PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit Updates

• September 25, 2019 – At least 17 new lawsuits were filed against Conagra in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging that cans of Pam cooking spray and other similar products exploded and caused severe burn injuries to people nearby. With these new filings, the Chicago-based spray can manufacturer DS Containers, Inc., has been sued at least 33 times in 2019 over its allegedly defective aerosol cans.
• August 9, 2019 – A man in Exeter, New Hampshire, filed a lawsuit against Conagra after allegedly being “burned and severely injured” when a vented can of Pam exploded near him at a cookout in 2016. The plaintiff, Jon Sherrill, is seeking “enhanced” compensatory damages to cover lost wages, medical bills, and other damages.

Conagra has faced a total of 33 lawsuits in 2019 over allegedly defective cooking spray cans, including PAM, which reportedly caused fires, third-degree burns, disfigurement, and blindness among users.

CPSC Reports and Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 6 PAM Cooking Spray lawsuits have been filed against Conagra Brands alleging that Pam exploded and caused serious injuries. The reported incidents occurred across 6 states between 2017 and 2019.

The lawsuits specifically target PAM cooking spray cans that were redesigned in 2011 with U-shaped vents on the bottom. These vents, visible as 4 U-shaped score marks, were intended to allow the container to vent its flammable contents in the ordinary course of operation. According to TODAY, the main problem with the cans of cooking spray is not their ingredients, but how they were designed. [1]

PAM Cooking Spray Injuries & Hazards

Consumers have reported serious injuries resulting from exploding PAM cooking spray cans, particularly the larger sized cans (10 ounces or more) with the U-shaped vents at the bottom:

• Severe Burns: Third-degree burns requiring hospitalization and skin grafts
• Disfigurement: Permanent scarring and disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
• Respiratory Damage: Injuries from inhaling heated contents and propellants
• Eye Injuries: Including temporary and permanent vision damage
• Trauma: Some victims required medically-induced comas during recovery

Do You Qualify for a PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PAM cooking spray lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one used PAM or another Conagra cooking spray product (including Sysco Member’s Mark, Wellsley Farms, and Simply Value).
• The can exploded or caught fire, resulting in injuries.
• You suffered burns, scarring, disfigurement, or other injuries requiring medical treatment.
• The incident occurred within the statute of limitations for your state.

Evidence Required for a PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should try to preserve:

• The exploded can or fragments (if possible)
• Photographs of your injuries
• Medical records documenting your treatment
• Receipts or proof of purchase of the product
• Any witness statements from people who saw the incident

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of PAM cooking spray explosions may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional trauma
• Permanent disfigurement and disability
• Punitive damages (in cases where manufacturer negligence can be proven)

PAM Cooking Spray Recall Information

Despite multiple lawsuits and reported injuries, Conagra has not issued a nationwide recall for PAM cooking spray products. The company maintains that PAM and other cooking sprays feature prominent warnings on their labeling which state that the product is flammable and should not be left on or near a stove or heat source.

When Pam is used correctly, as instructed, it is a 100% safe and effective product – the company said in a statement.

Most cooking sprays, regardless of the brand, include propellants that make them flammable. According to The Counter Organization, the presence of these flammable materials is why tales about exploding paint cans and hairspray missiles are so common. When those propellants get too close to a heat source, they can combust. [2]

Statute of Limitations for PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a product liability lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from the date of injury. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an incident to ensure your legal rights are protected before the filing deadline expires.

FAQs

1. What types of injuries are associated with the PAM Cooking Spray explosions?

Injuries associated with PAM Cooking Spray explosions include severe burns, lacerations, eye injuries, and other physical harm caused by the force of the explosion and the release of hot oil. In some cases, the injuries have required extensive medical treatment and led to permanent scarring or disfigurement.

2. How can I join the PAM Cooking Spray lawsuit?

To join the PAM Cooking Spray lawsuit, you should contact a law firm that specializes in product liability or personal injury cases. They can assess your situation, gather evidence, and guide you through the process of filing a claim for compensation.

3. Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action related to PAM Cooking Spray?

Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit if you prefer not to join a class action. An individual lawsuit may allow for a more personalized approach to your specific circumstances and potential compensation.

4. Which PAM Cooking Spray products are involved in the lawsuits?

The lawsuits primarily involve larger cans (10 ounces or more) of PAM cooking spray and other Conagra brands that were redesigned in 2011 with U-shaped vents on the bottom of the can.

5. What is the alleged defect in PAM Cooking Spray cans?

The lawsuits allege that Conagra’s 2011 redesign of larger cooking spray cans included U-shaped vents on the bottom that make the cans “faulty, dangerous and prone to explosion” when exposed to heat.

6. What suits claim about PAM Cooking Spray cans?

The suits claim PAM Cooking Spray cans are “defectively designed.” According to the lawsuits, in 2011, Conagra implemented a redesigned packaging for cans containing 10 or more ounces that included U-shaped vents on the bottom of the can intended to allow the container to vent its flammable contents.

7. How much compensation can I receive from a PAM Cooking Spray lawsuit?

Compensation amounts vary based on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. An experienced attorney can help determine the potential value of your case based on your specific circumstances.

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• Exploding NutriBullet Blender Suits
• Gas Can Explosion Litigation

See the other product liability claims we’re currently taking.

Get a Free PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by exploding PAM cooking spray cans. Each state has strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) that could prevent you from receiving compensation if you wait too long to file a claim.

The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Pam cooking spray explosion lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.today.com/food/lawsuit-alleges-cans-pam-cooking-spray-are-exploding-here-s-t153807
2. https://thecounter.org/conagra-pam-cooking-spray-explosions-lawsuit/