Despite a pressure cooker’s convenience and energy efficiency, these common kitchen appliances have been implicated in a series of injury lawsuits. These cases have exposed the hidden dangers of pressure cookers, emphasizing the critical need for product safety.
As awareness grows, Mississippi has seen a surge in pressure cooker lawsuit cases, underscoring the potential risks associated with these devices.
If you or someone you care about has experienced injuries due to a pressure cooker, the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to offer their support. As a nationally acknowledged 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.
Table Of Contents
- Mississippi Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits
- Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?
- Common Pressure Cooker Injury
- Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Mississippi
- Filing a Mississippi Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Evaluation From Mississippi Pressure Cooker Lawyers
Mississippi Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits
Defective pressure cookers’ hazards have been highlighted by a pressure cooker lawsuit in Mississippi. Victims of pressure cooker explosions have suffered severe burns, scalds, and other injuries, leading to legal actions and recalls that have targeted several manufacturers.
These unfortunate incidents can be attributed to user errors and defective pressure cooker manufacturing, causing pressure to build up inside the cooker and resulting in explosions.
Pressure cookers carry risks that can lead to disfiguring and disabling injuries, as well as other complications. This has prompted legal actions against pressure cooker manufacturers, such as Instant Brands, for misrepresenting the safety of their products and causing severe thermal burns.
The Incident
A case involved a Mississippi woman who suffered severe burns from a defective safety locking lid on her pressure cooker. The cause of the injury was the lid unexpectedly blowing off while the pressure cooker was still pressurized, similar to incidents involving defective Bella pressure cookers.
The primary purpose of the safety features on Instant Pot pressure cookers is to guarantee the user’s safety, which has come into question in the Instant Pot explosion lawsuit.
The mother in this case argued that her Instant Pot pressure cooker, model IP-DUO 60 V2, failed to depressurize when the lid came off. As a result, scalding hot contents spilled onto her child, resulting in serious burns. She claimed that the product was “dangerously defective” and held the manufacturer accountable for not warning about the risks and not addressing the faulty lid lock.
The Lawsuit
The crux of these lawsuits in Mississippi is whether the pressure cooker manufacturer is responsible for injuries from the appliance’s explosion. The manufacturer, in this case, was held responsible for not providing adequate warnings regarding the risks and for not resolving the issue with the faulty lid lock, which has also been a concern for other brands like Cuisinart pressure cookers.
The plaintiff in the Instant Pot Explosion Lawsuit has made a serious allegation against the pressure cookers. They allege that these products contain defects that allow consumers to remove the lid of the cooker while it is still under pressure, hence resulting in the projection of scalding hot contents from the unit. This has led to numerous lawsuits filed by individuals who were severely burned when their pressure cookers exploded.
Recalls and Legal Actions
In response to similar incidents, recalls and legal actions have been initiated against several pressure cooker brands. Some of the brands that have been recalled within the last five years due to safety concerns include:
- Bella
- Bella Pro Series
- Cooks
- Insignia
Additionally, brands such as Elite Bistro, Tristar, Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, Cuisinart Pressure Cooker, and Maxi Matic have faced legal action as a result of electric pressure cookers and pressure cooker injuries, often caused by pressure trapped within the device.
The settlement in one such case involving a Georgia mother and her child injured by an exploding Instant Pot pressure cooker included periodic payments to the child starting at age 18, although the specific settlement details were not disclosed.
Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?
Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Instant Pot, Bella, Crock-Pot, Ninja Foodie, Tristar, and Mealthy MultiPot 2.0, have been named in lawsuits. These brands face allegations of burn injuries caused by defective pressure cookers, hazardous defects in product design and safety features, and lawsuits filed by individuals who were severely burned when their pressure cookers exploded.
Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit
Plaintiffs in pressure cooker injury lawsuits allege that the appliances have design flaws and malfunctioning safety features, resulting in severe injuries. Commonly mentioned malfunctioning safety features include:
- Defective product design
- Faulty construction causes the lid to pop off under high-pressure
- Lid and/or lid-locking system defects allow the cooker to be opened before it is fully depressurized
- Defective safety mechanisms
Although no specific examples related to pressure cookers were identified, verified examples of design flaws and malfunctioning safety features have been reported in various products. Severe injuries caused by these alleged design flaws and safety feature malfunctions include:
- Disfigurement
- Permanent scarring
- Severe burns
- Scalds
- Cuts
- Bleeding
- Eye injuries
- Death
“Defendants’ pressure cookers suffered from serious defects that caused them to explode during normal use, splashing unsuspecting customers with scorching hot food.”- United States District Court
Safety Features Failures
Despite advertised safety mechanisms, pressure cookers’ safety features have repeatedly failed, leading to explosions and serious burns. Pressure cookers commonly advertise the following safety features:
- A locking device on the lid
- A pressure release valve
- A pop-up indicator
- A gasket
These components may have failed due to manufacturing defects, wear and tear, improper use, or lack of maintenance.
Brands such as Insignia, Aldi, Farberware, Instant Pot, Breville, and Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL have reported safety feature malfunctions.
Common Pressure Cooker Injury
The most common injuries linked to pressure cookers are burns, scalds, and disfigurement from hot liquid and steam [1]. While the primary cause of exploding pressure cooker incidents is not clearly indicated, these pressure cooker explosions have led to severe injuries and complications for victims when a pressure cooker explodes.
Women are more likely to suffer from pressure cooker injuries due to their greater presence in the kitchen. These injuries can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Mississippi
The settlement amount in pressure cooker injury lawsuits in Mississippi is determined by taking into account factors such as:
- The severity of the injuries
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- The location of the burn
- The liability of the manufacturer
The severity of the injuries, such as first, second, or third-degree burns, can be taken into consideration when determining the compensation awarded to the plaintiff. The estimated settlement value of an Instant Pot product liability lawsuit involving 3rd-degree burn injuries is estimated to be between $125,000 and $950,000.
Filing a Mississippi Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
To file a pressure cooker lawsuit in Mississippi, the injured party should follow several steps:
- Gather evidence
- Seek legal counsel
- Be aware of the statute of limitations
- Prepare and submit the complaint
- Participate in settlement discussions or a trial
Throughout this process, establishing liability and seeking compensation for damages play crucial roles in achieving a favorable outcome for the victim.
Establishing Liability
Establishing liability in a pressure cooker lawsuit depends on the type of defect causing the explosion and identifying the responsible party. Some potential defects that could lead to a pressure cooker explosion include:
- Manufacturing defects
- Design faults
- Faulty wiring
- Incorrect digital indicators
- Defective gasket
- Frayed or cracked seals
- Defective or non-existent automatic shut-off function
- Insufficient venting of steam
Manufacturers are obligated to uphold the safety of their products and can be held accountable for any injuries caused by their pressure cookers.
Compensation for Damages
Compensation for damages in a pressure cooker lawsuit may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the incident. The average payout for a pressure cooker lawsuit in Mississippi is reportedly between $125,000 and $200,000.
Compensation for medical expenses is typically calculated by taking into account the cost of medical bills, emergency room treatment, surgery bills, ongoing treatment costs, and any other relevant medical expenses.
The amount of compensation can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
FAQs
Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured by a pressure cooker in Mississippi?
Yes, individuals who were injured by a defective pressure cooker can file lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. Documenting the incident and injuries is crucial for a strong case.
Is there a statute of limitations for filing a pressure cooker lawsuit in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi’s statute of limitations for product liability cases generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected.
What types of compensation can I receive from a pressure cooker lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Each case is unique, and the specific damages awarded depend on individual circumstances.
Related Articles:
- Michigan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
- Minnesota Pressure Cooker Attorney
- Massachusetts Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get Your Free Evaluation From Mississippi Pressure Cooker Lawyers
Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to provide you with crucial support during challenging times. If you or a family member has suffered from pressure cooker injuries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is highly experienced in handling such cases and is fully prepared to guide you through every step of the process.
You have the right to comprehend your legal rights and explore the possibility of pursuing a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always free, and you will not have any expenses unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your case. Allow us to be your trusted partner on this journey.
Reference:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7746041/