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Table Of Contents
What is the Bene Casa Pressure Cooker?
According to the Bene Casa, a high-capacity electric pressure cooker features multiple controls and a powerful heating element [1]. With several automatic programs for meat, chicken, fish, beans, and soup, it offers a range of features for both beginner and more experienced users.
Pressure Cooker Injury Statistics
In 2008 alone, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reported 39 cases of pressure cooker-associated emergency room visits. At least 17 of those reports stated that the pressure cooker had exploded or that the liquids had burst forth from the pot, causing serious burn injuries. Others stated that users were burned in other ways when interacting with the cookers.
Of 39 sampled cases of pressure cooker-associated emergency room visits reported by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System in 2008, only eight injuries affected people under the age of 32 years, NEISS said.
In many cases, the pressure cooker lid is the problem. Pressure cooker lids are designed to create airtight seals that prevent the hot steam and pressure from escaping. If the seal is broken before the pressure is released, the stored pressure can force the lid off and spew the contents into the environment.
Most companies have created safety lids that are supposed to prevent this from happening; however, many of these lids are still allowing consumers to open them prematurely.
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
Exploding Pressure Cooker Injuries
Product liability lawsuits have been filed against the makers of pressure cookers sold since about 2010, which have been linked to reports of:
- Serious burns
- Hot steam burns
- Second-degree burns
- Third-degree burns
- Eye injuries and blindness
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Scalds
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Kitchen or property damage
- And more
Pressure Cooker Defects
Manufacturing defects and design are often the cause of pressure cooker explosions. These defects can manifest as the following:
- Inadequate lid seals – When a lid is defective it may not properly seal. This can result in extremely hot contents spilling or the expulsion of contents.
- Faulty gaskets that allow premature opening – A faulty gasket that allows the premature opening of the pot during high pressure can cause steam and contact burns.
- Poor venting – If the pot does not have adequate venting, it can lead to a pressure cooker explosion which can shoot shrapnel and hot contents.
In each of these situations, a defective design may be at fault for any injuries sustained. When companies cut corners, consumers need to hold them accountable.
General Pressure Cooker Statistics:
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the majority of pressure cooker users are over the age of 30, with 46% of injured parties between the ages of 30 and 50, and 10% between 51 and 70. In 2008, of 39 sampled cases of pressure cooker-associated emergency room visits, 17 involved injuries where the pressure cooker either exploded or liquids burst from the pot, causing burns. The remaining 22 involved contact burns or steam burns.
There have been several recalls of pressure cookers in recent years due to safety concerns, including:
- FagorSplendid Chef: Over 400,000 were recalled from 2007-2015, with more than 70 burn injuries reported.
- Tristar Pressure Cooker: Recall of 145,000 units in 2012 due to lid detachments caused by excess pressure buildup, resulting in 29 reports of injuries.
- Power Pressure Cooker XL: Recall nearly 1 million cookers in 2018 due to explosion and malfunction complaints.
- Instant Pot Gem 65: Some batches were recalled in 2018 for potential fire risk from overheating.
- Crock-Pot Express Crock: 2019 recall of 119,000 units following 99 incidents of the lid detaching violently.
Pressure Cooker Recalls
In collaboration with the CPSC, manufacturers have taken action to recall defective pressure cookers due to issues with malfunctioning components or design flaws. Several noteworthy examples include:
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, back in 1983, a recall [2] was initiated for 300,000 Alcan pressure cookers due to a problematic gasket, which permitted the cookers to be opened even when pressure was still present. This flaw resulted in at least two incidents of scald injuries.
The pressure cookers were recalled because of a faulty gasket which allows the pots to be opened while still containing pressure, CPSC said. Continued use of the pressure cookers could result in physical injury to the users. Alcan is aware of two incidents involving this pressure cooker which resulted in scald type injuries.
As reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2006, there were thirty-seven reports of severe burns, including four cases of third-degree burns, that stemmed from premature opening of Welbilt brand pressure cooker lids during standard operation. QVC, a television retailer, responded by recalling 900 units [3].
QVC is voluntarily implementing this recall based on 43 reports of failure incidents, including 37 reports of burn injuries, reported by another retailer that sold the same model Welbilt electronic pressure cooker, CPSC said. The known burn injuries include various degrees of burns, including at least four third degree burns.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2007, over 38,000 Manttra pressure cookers were subject to a recall due to design defects that allowed operation without proper lid sealing, leading to contents spilling out and causing burns to two consumers [4].
As claimed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in another incident from 2007, HSN recalled 8,300 Bella Cucina Zip Cookers following eight reported cases of consumer burn injuries resulting from pressure-induced expulsion of food from the cooker [5].
Hot food under pressure can be expelled from the cooker causing burn injuries, CPSC said. HSN has received seven reports of incidents resulting in eight injuries involving first, second and third degree burns.
FAQs
What are the potential outcomes of a Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
Potential outcomes include settlements, trial verdicts, or dismissals. Successful cases may result in compensation for plaintiffs, while others might establish important legal precedents.
Can family members of deceased individuals file a pressure cooker lawsuit against Bene Casa?
Yes, family members can file wrongful death claims if a loved one died due to injuries caused by a defective Bene Casa pressure cooker. These lawsuits seek compensation for loss of income, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
What impact does the Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit have on future product safety?
Successful lawsuits can lead to increased awareness of product safety, stricter regulatory oversight, and improved design standards, ultimately enhancing consumer protection and manufacturer accountability.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of jury trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new severe injury cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered severe burns or other serious injuries caused by an exploding Bene Casa pressure cooker, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.benecasa.com/collections/pressure-cooker
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1983/alcans-brasilian-unit-recalling-faulty-pressure-cookers
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2006/electronic-pressure-cookers-sold-by-qvc-recalled-due-to-burn-hazard
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2007/pressure-cookers-recalled-by-manttra-inc-due-to-burn-hazard
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2007/hsn-lp-recalls-bella-cucina-zip-cookers-due-to-burn-hazard