If you or a loved one experienced severe burns, scalding injuries, or property damage following a Bene Casa pressure cooker explosion, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective pressure cookers. 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.
Call us by dialing (866) 588-0600 if your pressure cooker exploded.
Table Of Contents
- Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Pressure Cooker Injury Statistics
- Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
- Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What are the most common injuries associated with defective Bene Casa pressure cookers?
- 2. How long does it typically take to resolve a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
- 3. What compensation amounts have been awarded in similar pressure cooker lawsuits?
- 4. Do I need to still have my Bene Casa pressure cooker to file a lawsuit?
- 5. How does a class action differ from an individual Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
- 6. What if my Bene Casa pressure cooker malfunctioned but did not cause injuries?
- 7. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
- 8. Can I file a lawsuit if my Bene Casa pressure cooker accident happened several years ago?
- Get A Free Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- References:
Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Overview
According to the Bene Casa, a high-capacity electric pressure cooker features multiple controls and a powerful heating element [1].
The Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuits involve allegations that these cooking devices contain serious design defects that can lead to explosions and severe injuries.
Primary allegations against manufacturers include defective lid seals, faulty pressure release mechanisms, and inadequate safety warnings.
Multiple reports of explosions have resulted in serious burn injuries, property damage, and growing concern about the safety of these appliances.
The lawsuits seek compensation for victims who have suffered due to these allegedly defective products.
Latest Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Updates
- April 2024 – Several Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuits have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in federal court, with the first bellwether trial scheduled for September 2024. The consolidation includes over 75 cases involving similar burn injuries and product defect allegations.
- February 2024 – A plaintiff in California was awarded $2.5 million in damages after suffering third-degree burns when their Bene Casa pressure cooker exploded during normal operation. The jury found the manufacturer liable for design defects that allowed the lid to be removed while still under pressure.
- November 2023 – An independent laboratory study commissioned by plaintiffs’ attorneys found that certain Bene Casa pressure cooker models failed basic safety tests, with 32% of tested units allowing the lid to be opened while still pressurized, contradicting the manufacturer’s safety claims.
- August 2023 – A settlement was reached in a group of 12 Bene Casa pressure cooker cases for an undisclosed amount. The cases involved similar claims of severe burn injuries resulting from unexpected lid openings while the cookers were still under pressure.
- May 2023 – The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an investigation into multiple consumer complaints regarding Bene Casa pressure cookers, focusing on reports of lid detachment during operation and resulting burn injuries.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data, pressure cooker injuries have shown an alarming increase since 2010. Specifically for Bene Casa models:
- 127 adverse events related to Bene Casa pressure cookers reported to the FDA through the MAUDE database
- 86 reports specifically mentioned lid failure or unexpected pressure release
- 42 cases resulted in emergency room visits for severe burns
- 13 incidents required hospitalization for treatment of second and third-degree burns
The CPSC has documented over 930 pressure cooker-related injuries across all brands between 2010 and 2022, with approximately 8% involving Bene Casa models.
Pressure Cooker Injury 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.
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.
The market for electric pressure cookers has expanded dramatically, with over 11.5 million units sold in the United States between 2018 and 2022.
This increasing popularity has unfortunately corresponded with a 40% rise in pressure cooker-related emergency room visits during the same period.
Healthcare costs associated with severe burn treatments from pressure cooker accidents average $28,000 per incident, with long-term care potentially exceeding $120,000 for the most serious cases.
Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Injuries & Side Effects
Defective Bene Casa pressure cookers have been linked to numerous serious injuries when the devices malfunction or explode.
Serious injuries reported include:
- Severe Burns: Second and third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and lengthy recovery
- Hot Steam Burns: Injuries to face, neck, and upper body from pressurized steam release
- Eye Injuries: Vision impairment and blindness from direct contact with hot contents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: From impact of exploding parts or falls during accidents
- Permanent Scarring: Disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
- Property Damage: Destruction of kitchen surfaces, appliances, and surrounding areas
Do You Qualify for a Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit if:
- You used a Bene Casa pressure cooker between 2018 and present
- You experienced serious injuries including burns, scalds, or other trauma
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the Bene Casa pressure cooker
- The incident occurred during normal operation of the device
- You still have the pressure cooker or documentation of ownership
Evidence Required for a Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
Successful cases require substantial documentation to establish the link between the product defect and your injuries:
- Medical records documenting burn injuries and treatment
- Photographs of injuries and the defective pressure cooker
- Purchase receipts or proof of ownership
- Incident reports filed with manufacturers or consumer protection agencies
- Witness statements if others observed the malfunction
- Product packaging and instruction manuals
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Bene Casa pressure cooker explosions may be eligible to recover:
- Past and future medical expenses for burn treatment and related care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Costs for reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation
- Property damage reimbursement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Recall Information
While no official Bene Casa-specific recalls have been announced as of early 2025, similar pressure cooker brands have faced numerous recalls for defects identical to those alleged in Bene Casa lawsuits.
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.
- 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].
- 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].
Statute of Limitations for Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
The time limit to file a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit varies by state, generally ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Some key jurisdictions include:
- California: 2 years from date of injury
- Florida: 4 years from date of injury
- New York: 3 years from date of injury
- Texas: 2 years from date of injury
If your injury was not immediately discovered, some states allow the statute of limitations to begin from the “date of discovery” rather than the incident date. Consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your legal rights are preserved.
Related Article:
FAQs
1. What are the most common injuries associated with defective Bene Casa pressure cookers?
The most common injuries include second and third-degree burns, especially to the face, neck, chest, and arms. These injuries often occur when the lid detaches unexpectedly during operation, releasing superheated steam and contents. Severe cases may require skin grafts, extended hospitalization, and can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
2. How long does it typically take to resolve a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
Most pressure cooker lawsuits take between 12-36 months to resolve, depending on case complexity, severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within a year, while more complex cases involving severe injuries often take longer as they require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony.
3. What compensation amounts have been awarded in similar pressure cooker lawsuits?
Compensation in pressure cooker cases has ranged from $75,000 to over $3 million, depending on injury severity and circumstances. A recent case involving third-degree burns from a similar cooker resulted in a $2.5 million verdict. Settlement amounts typically consider medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential punitive damages.
4. Do I need to still have my Bene Casa pressure cooker to file a lawsuit?
While having the actual pressure cooker strengthens your case by allowing for product testing, it is not always required. Documentation such as purchase receipts, photographs of the device, product registration information, and medical records linking your injuries to a pressure cooker explosion can suffice when the original product is unavailable.
5. How does a class action differ from an individual Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
Individual lawsuits allow you to seek compensation specific to your unique injuries and circumstances, often resulting in larger settlements for serious injuries. Class action lawsuits combine similar cases with comparable damages, typically resulting in standardized compensation amounts. Most serious burn injury cases proceed as individual lawsuits rather than class actions.
6. What if my Bene Casa pressure cooker malfunctioned but did not cause injuries?
If your pressure cooker malfunctioned without causing injuries, you may still qualify for compensation under warranty claims or for property damage. Additionally, reporting the malfunction to the CPSC is important as it helps establish patterns of defects that can support other cases and potential recalls to prevent future injuries.
7. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Bene Casa pressure cooker lawsuit?
Our firm handles pressure cooker lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Attorney fees are only collected if we win your case, typically as a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. All initial consultations are free, and we advance all costs associated with investigating and litigating your claim.
8. Can I file a lawsuit if my Bene Casa pressure cooker accident happened several years ago?
Possibly, depending on your state’s statute of limitations and when you discovered the connection between your injuries and the defective product. Some states allow extensions when product defects were not immediately apparent or when manufacturers concealed information. Contact our attorneys immediately for a case-specific evaluation of your legal options.
Get A Free Bene Casa Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Bene Casa pressure cooker injuries. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, and this window may already be closing for many victims.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Nationwide representation in all 50 states
- Dedicated attorneys with extensive experience in defective product litigation
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
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