What’s the Problem?
Numerous reports have surfaced indicating that defective pressure cookers similar to the Instant Pot exploded after their lids were opened, resulting in severe burns and scald injuries. Our lawyers are investigating whether this problem is being caused by a product defect and, if so, whether unsuspecting consumers can file a lawsuit.
Related Article: Why Do Pressure Cookers Explode?
What is the Instant Pot?
Instant Pot (also known as "InstaPot") is a cooking device that, according to the manufacturer, “does the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cookers, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot.” There are multiple versions of the Instant Pot available, ranging in price from about $90 to $200.
Instant Pot Explosion Injuries
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has received dozens of reports of the following types of injuries associated with exploding pressure cookers similar to Instant Pot:
- Severe thermal burns to the arms, legs, face, and other parts of the body
- Scars and disfigurement
- Damages to kitchen walls, cabinets, and floors
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
What’s Causing Pressure Cookers to Explode?
Although it has not been determined for certain the precise cause of each pressure cooker explosion, it is suspected that the problem stems from a defective gasket that allows the lids to be opened, despite safety mechanisms designed specifically to prevent this from occurring.
Instant Pot Explosion Lawsuit Alleges Defective Pressure Cooker Caused Severe Injuries
A new lawsuit filed in California alleges that Instant Brands, Inc., the manufacturer of Instant Pots, misrepresented the safety of their pressure cookers.
According to the lawsuit, Plaintiff Rosalina Drayton’s pressure cooker exploded, causing severe thermal burns.
The Complaint states that the Instant Pot is marketed as having “safety mechanisms” which are supposed to prevent the unit from both building pressure if the lid is not closed properly, as well as the lid from being removed until all the pressure is released.
However, Ms. Drayton alleges that the Instant Pot pressure cookers contain defects that allow unsuspecting consumers to remove the lid while the cooker is still under pressure causing the scalding hot contents to be projected from the unit.
Lawsuit Alleges Instant Brands Misrepresented Safety of its Pressure Cookers
A lawsuit filed against Instant Brands, Inc. alleges that the company misrepresented the safety of its pressure cookers. The Complaint was filed on behalf of Ms. Lucy Perkins, a resident of Utah.
Ms. Perkins’s pressure cooker exploded while under pressure on April 25, 2019. As a result of the explosion accident, Ms. Perkins sustained severe thermal burns to her body. According to the Complaint, the Instant Pot is marketed as having “safety mechanisms” which are supposed to prevent the unit from both building pressure if the lid is not closed properly, as well as the lid from being removed until all the pressure is released.
However, Ms. Perkins alleges that the Instant Pot pressure cookers contain defects that allow unsuspecting consumers to remove the lid while the cooker is still under pressure causing the scalding hot contents to be projected from the unit.
Instant Pot Explosion Injures California Woman
A woman who claims she was severely burned by an exploding Instant Pot has filed a lawsuit (PDF) against Instant Brands, Inc., in the Central District of California. Plaintiff Gail B. alleges she was injured when she opened the lid on the Instant Pot, allowing the “scalding hot contents to be forcefully ejected from the pressure cooker.” The suit accuses Instant Brands of selling a defective product that was falsely advertised as having safety features to prevent pressure cooker explosions.
Class Action Filed Over Burn Injuries Alleged From Tristar Power Pressure Cooker
Six plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against Tristar Products, Inc., claiming they were severely burned when the “Built-In Safety Features” of the Power Pressure Cooker XL failed during use. All 6 claimants allege to have sustained substantial burn injuries as a result of the pressure cooker having a lid that can be rotated and opened while still pressurized, causing its “scalding hot contents to be forcefully ejected from the Pressure Cooker and onto [plaintiff].”
Related Articles:
- Elite Bistro Pressure Cooker Case
- Crofton Pressure Cooker Recall
- NuWave Nutri-Pot Digital Pressure Cooker Suit
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have an Instant Pot Explosion Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Instant Pot explosion lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new burn and scalding injury cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one suffered a severe burn or other injury caused by an exploding pressure cooker, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
