Published by Pressure cookers, trusted by many for meal preparation, have become the subject of numerous lawsuits due to hidden dangers and resulting injuries. This article examines the rising number of Maine pressure cooker lawsuits, the implicated brands, and the legal remedies available to victims.
If you or someone close to you has experienced injuries caused by a pressure cooker, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to offer their support. As a well-known national law firm specializing in cases on behalf of plaintiffs, our main objective is to ensure that you receive the justice and fair compensation that you are entitled to.
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Maine Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits
Maine residents have filed pressure cooker lawsuits against various manufacturers, alleging that defective designs have led to pressure cooker explosions, causing severe burns and other injuries. Some of the common factors leading to these explosions include faulty lid locking systems, defective pressure release valves, and lids that open when they should not.
The potential outcomes of these lawsuits may include obtaining a refund for the defective pressure cooker and compensatory damages for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, and mental anguish caused by the pressure cooker explosion incidents.
Bear in mind that these lawsuits encompass not only the brands mentioned but also other pressure cooker manufacturers. The risks associated with pressure cookers are not brand-specific, and any faulty pressure cooker can lead to devastating consequences.
Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?
Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Sunbeam, Tristar, Fagor America, Tabletops Unlimited, Maxi-Matic, and Instant Brands.
These brands manufacture electric pressure cookers. Among these, Power Pressure Cooker XL has been reported to have the most incidents of explosion, but Instant Pot pressure cookers have also been mentioned in lawsuits.
Fagor America, another brand name in the Maine lawsuits, has faced complaints regarding scalding hot contents causing injuries to consumers. Instant Brands, the manufacturer of the popular Instant Pot, claimed that their pressure cooker had ten built-in safety features.
Despite these safety claims, their products have still been implicated in lawsuits, proving that no brand is immune to potential design flaws.
Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit
Plaintiffs in pressure cooker injury lawsuits allege that the pressure cookers have defective safety mechanisms, which result in exploding pressure cookers and serious burns. These defective safety mechanisms extend beyond the brands already mentioned and include other pressure cooker manufacturers as well.
For instance, a 61-year-old woman in a July 2014 report sustained 2nd-degree burns on her scalp, face, shoulder, and back due to a Maxi-Matic pressure cooker explosion. These severe burns can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-lasting physical and emotional pain.
Denis Papin, a French physicist, invented the “steam digester” in the 17th century. This invention was used to reduce cooking times and is the predecessor of the modern pressure cooker. However, faulty pressure cooker incidents have led to lawsuits in recent years, highlighting the need for better design and manufacturing standards to ensure consumer safety.
Recalls and Consumer Complaints
Pressure cooker recalls, and consumer complaints illustrate the potential hazards associated with these appliances, including recalled pressure cookers that have caused injuries. For example, Instant Brands was recalled in 2015 as a result of electric shock complaints.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has received numerous complaints regarding Fagor pressure cookers, with some customers reporting total product failures and resulting injuries [1]. Many of these customers have attempted to contact Fagor America for compensation or a new pressure cooker, but the company has been unresponsive.
“The pressure cooker has incorrect volume markings on the inner pot. This can cause consumers to overfill the pot and hot food and liquids to be ejected when the pressure cooker is vented using the quick release method or opened while its contents are pressurized, posing a burn hazard to consumers.”- The US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Common Pressure Cooker Injury
Common injuries associated with pressure cooker use include severe burns, scalding, and lacerations. Painful second and third-degree burns have been reported in incidents where a pressure cooker exploded, such as Power Pressure Cooker XL explosions.
Malfunctioning pressure cookers may result in grave burn injuries, which can inflict enduring physical and emotional distress on the victims. Consumers need to recognize these potential hazards and exercise caution when utilizing pressure cookers.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maine
Settlement amounts in Maine pressure cooker lawsuits vary depending on the severity of injuries and the specific circumstances of each case. A mother from Georgia had to reach a confidential settlement agreement with Instant Brands Inc. after her child suffered an injury due to an exploding Instant Pot pressure cooker.
The incident unfortunately burned the injured child as a result. Both parties engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations before arriving at a settlement figure.
The pressure cooker lawsuits reportedly award settlement compensations of up to $200,000 for second-degree burns. For third-degree burns, the compensation amount is even higher, ranging from $600,000 to $2,000,000. The estimated settlement value of an Instant Pot product liability lawsuit involving 3rd-degree burn injuries is approximately $125,000 to $950,000.
Keep in mind that these are estimated figures and may greatly fluctuate depending on the unique circumstances of each case. The maximum settlement amount ever awarded in a Maine pressure cooker lawsuit is $27 million.
Filing a Maine Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
Initiating a pressure cooker lawsuit in Maine requires following several steps, such as gathering evidence, complying with the statute of limitations, and comprehending the comparative negligence laws.
Evidence Collection
For accurate documentation of injuries in a pressure cooker lawsuit, it is important to:
- Capture photos and videos of the faulty pressure cooker along with its brand
- Document your injuries and any property damage
- Maintain your medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and medical bills related to your injuries.
To preserve a malfunctioning pressure cooker for a legal action, the following steps should be taken:
- Immediately seek medical attention to document your injuries.
- Preserve the damaged pressure cooker as evidence for further examination.
- Engage a personal injury lawyer experienced in product liability cases.
- Supply the lawyer with all pertinent information and documentation regarding the pressure cooker and your injuries.
Statute of Limitations
In Maine, you have six years from the date of injury to file a product liability lawsuit [2]. The date of injury is established according to the date of the incident that caused the injury.
While there may be exceptions to this rule, it is advised to examine the specific statutes and seek legal counsel for precise information on exceptions to the statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits in Maine.
Comparative Negligence
Maine’s comparative negligence law may impact the amount of compensation awarded in a pressure cooker lawsuit if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault. Under Maine’s comparative negligence law, the plaintiff must bear less than 50% of the liability for the award to be reduced.
The percentage of fault is determined under the comparative fault rule, with the plaintiff’s damages reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
FAQs
How do settlements work in Maine pressure cooker lawsuits?
Settlements involve negotiations between your attorney and the defendant’s representatives. If an agreement is reached, you receive compensation without going to trial. Settlements can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, providing a quicker resolution than a court trial.
Can I file a pressure cooker lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault. Maine follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault but not entirely barred.
How long does it typically take to resolve a pressure cooker lawsuit in Maine?
The timeline for resolving a pressure cooker lawsuit can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules. It can take anywhere from several months to a few years.
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Get Your Free Consultation From Maine Pressure Cooker Lawyers
Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to provide support during your most crucial moments. If you or a family member has been affected by pressure cooker injuries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is highly experienced in handling such cases and is prepared to assist you at every stage.
You have the right to be informed about your legal rights and the potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always free, and you won’t have any expenses unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough evaluation of your situation. Allow us to be your trusted partner on this journey.
Reference:
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Best-Buy-Recalls-Insignia-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
- https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14ch205.pdf
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