The popularity of pressure cookers, such as the Instant Pot, has skyrocketed in recent years, with busy households relying on these appliances to cook meals quickly and efficiently.
However, defective pressure cookers have led to a surge in pressure cooker lawsuits filed against pressure cooker manufacturers, such as Instant Brands, for causing severe burns and other injuries due to explosions and malfunctioning safety features.
If you or a family member has been affected by injuries from exploding pressure cookers, the devoted team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to offer their support. As a nationally acknowledged law firm specializing in cases for plaintiffs, our primary aim is to secure the justice and the fair compensation you rightfully deserve.
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Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?
Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Instant Pot, Breville, TriStar, Crock-Pot, Maxi-Matic, and Sensio.
These companies are accused of selling defective pressure cookers that have exploded or malfunctioned, leading to severe burns and other injuries.
In many cases, victims are seeking financial compensation through a pressure cooker lawsuit for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by these faulty appliances.
Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit
Plaintiffs in defective pressure cooker injury lawsuits typically allege that the pressure cookers have defective designs and malfunctioning safety features. These defects can lead to explosions that forcefully eject the cooker’s scalding hot contents, causing severe burns and even permanent scarring.
For instance, a mother claimed that the lid of her Instant Pot pressure cooker unexpectedly blew off while the cooker was still pressurized, causing her child to suffer severe burns. In such cases, plaintiffs seek both compensatory and punitive damages for the harm they have suffered due to these defective appliances.
In response to these allegations, pressure cooker manufacturers tend to argue that their products were designed and manufactured with safety in mind and that the accidents occurred due to user error or misuse. However, the growing number of pressure cooker lawsuits filed across the country suggests that there may be a widespread issue with the safety of these popular appliances.
Common Design Flaws
Some design flaws found in other pressure cookers have led to serious injuries and lawsuits. For example, Breville recalled their pressure cooker due to a sealing gasket issue that could cause the built-up pressure to be suddenly released if the gasket was mistakenly placed upside down on the lid [1].
Other design flaws could lead to the lid of the pressure cooker opening when it shouldn’t, causing the scalding hot contents to erupt, resulting in severe burns.
In some cases, safety worries have arisen due to inexperienced manufacturers entering the market, leading to quality control issues and potential hazards for consumers. Pressure cooker manufacturers must prioritize product safety and promptly address and rectify any design flaws that could potentially cause accidents and injuries.
“The sealing gasket can be incorrectly inserted upside down on the lid which can allow the unexpected release of built-up pressure. This poses a risk of burns to the user or consumers nearby.”- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Safety Mechanisms and Their Failures
Modern pressure cookers are equipped with safety mechanisms designed to prevent accidents and injuries. For instance, the Cosori pressure cooker boasts ten safety mechanisms, including:
- a “Lid Lock Safety” feature that ensures the lid won’t open until the float valve drops down
- a pressure release valve that allows excess pressure to escape
- a temperature sensor that monitors the internal temperature
Similarly, Instant Pot pressure cookers have a lid lock feature that automatically prevents the lid from opening when the cooker is pressurized. However, despite these safety features, pressure cooker explosions can still occur if the mechanisms fail to function properly, leading to serious injuries.
In some cases, plaintiffs have alleged that the safety features on pressure cookers, such as those on the Instant Pot, have malfunctioned, causing the lid to open unexpectedly and eject boiling contents. These incidents have resulted in:
- severe burns
- permanent scarring
- a growing number of pressure cooker lawsuits filed against manufacturers for failing to ensure the safety of their products.
Common Pressure Cooker Injury
The most common injuries sustained in a pressure cooker explosion are:
- Burns and scarring
- First to third-degree burns, depending on the severity of the explosion and the extent of the contact with the scalding hot contents
- Life-altering consequences, such as amputation, in some tragic cases when a pressure cooker exploded
For example, a two-year-old girl in Florida had to have her leg amputated after being severely burned by an exploding pressure cooker.
With the rise in pressure cooker lawsuits, manufacturers must tackle these safety concerns and prevent additional harm to unsuspecting consumers.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Connecticut
The potential settlement amounts for pressure cooker lawsuits in Connecticut can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries sustained and the specific circumstances of each case.
For example, third-degree burn injuries could result in settlement values ranging from $125,000 to $950,000, while first or second-degree burns may yield estimated settlement values between $40,000 and $150,000. These should be considered as rough estimates, as each case is unique.
In some instances, pressure cooker lawsuit settlements have been substantial. For example, a California couple settled with Maxi-Matic USA and Kohl’s Department Stores after the wife suffered severe burn injuries due to an exploding pressure cooker. Consumers who bought a Tristar Power Pressure Cooker between March 1, 2013, and January 19, 2018, may be eligible for compensation.
This is part of a class action lawsuit settlement with Tristar Products Inc. These examples demonstrate the potential financial outcomes for victims seeking justice and compensation for their pressure cooker-related injuries. However, it is important to note that not all cases are the same, such as the Cosori pressure cooker lawsuit.
Filing a Connecticut Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
If a pressure cooker has injured you or a loved one in Connecticut, taking the necessary steps to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries is vital. To do so, you’ll need to gather evidence, build a strong case, and file the lawsuit in the appropriate court.
Engaging an experienced attorney is integral to this process, as they can assist you in navigating the legal system, safeguarding your rights, and enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Case
Building a successful pressure cooker injury lawsuit requires gathering various types of evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Bills
- Photos
- Videos of the injuries and scene
- Witness statements
This evidence can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries, the cause of the accident, and the liability of the manufacturer or other parties involved. Medical records, in particular, can highlight the severity of your injuries and the resulting pain and suffering you’ve endured.
In addition to gathering evidence, you’ll need to establish a strong case by proving factors such as faulty construction, product liability, and compliance with instructions.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help guide you through this process, gathering additional evidence and ensuring your case is as strong as possible to maximize your chances of receiving a favorable settlement or verdict in your pressure cooker lawsuit.
FAQs
What are the initial steps an attorney will take in a pressure cooker lawsuit?
An attorney will typically start by reviewing your case details, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and assessing the validity of your claim. They will then file the necessary legal documents and begin the negotiation or litigation process to seek compensation.
What kind of documentation should I gather for my pressure cooker lawsuit?
You should gather medical records, purchase receipts, photographs of the defective pressure cooker and injuries, any communication with the manufacturer, and witness statements. Keeping detailed records of your experience and medical treatments will strengthen your case.
Can I file a pressure cooker lawsuit if I live outside of Connecticut but was injured there?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit in the jurisdiction where the injury occurred. If the incident happened in Connecticut, you can file your lawsuit there, regardless of your place of residence.
What are the potential defenses used by manufacturers in pressure cooker lawsuits?
Manufacturers might argue that the product was used incorrectly, that the user failed to follow safety instructions, or that the injury was due to another cause. They may also claim that adequate warnings were provided.
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- Arkansas Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
- California Pressure Cooker Attorney
- Colorado Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Connecticut Pressure Cooker Lawyers
Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to provide crucial support during your most critical moments. If you or a family member has suffered from pressure cooker injuries, please reach out to us without delay. Our team is highly experienced in managing such cases and is fully prepared to assist you at every stage.
You have the right to fully comprehend your legal rights and the potential for a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always offered free of charge, and you won’t have any financial obligations unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case. Our commitment is to serve you with the same level of care and dedication that we would offer to our own loved ones.
Don’t hesitate to contact Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Allow us to be your trusted partner on this challenging journey.
Reference:
- https://www.breville.com/nz/en/support/recall.html