Missouri Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Attorney

Advancements in technology are meant to make household appliances more efficient and safe. However, a significant number of Missouri residents have been victims of defective pressure cookers.

These appliances, designed to simplify and expedite the cooking process, have instead posed hidden dangers. Severe injuries and numerous legal battles have resulted from these defective pressure cookers.

Should you or a person close to you have suffered injuries resulting from a pressure cooker incident, Schmidt & Clark, LLP’s dedicated team is prepared to assist. As a nationally recognized law firm specializing in representing plaintiffs, our primary aim is to secure the justice and fair compensation that you rightfully deserve.

Missouri Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits

Pressure cookers have gained popularity as a kitchen appliance that promises to cook food quickly and efficiently. However, some Missouri residents have experienced a darker side of these devices, resulting in a surge of numerous pressure cooker lawsuits.

Explosions or malfunctions of defective pressure cookers, sometimes referred to as exploding pressure cookers, have led victims to file lawsuits, asserting that these devices resulted in severe thermal burns, disfigurement, and other injuries.

The legal battle surrounding these cases highlights the need for manufacturers to take responsibility for the safety of their products and for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in their kitchens.

Recent Pressure Cooker Injury Cases

A recent case in Florida involved a woman who sustained burns when her Crock-Pot pressure cooker exploded due to defective safety features. In another case, six individuals filed lawsuits after suffering burns from a Crockpot pressure cooker that released boiling-hot food upon opening the lid.

These cases illustrate the devastating consequences of faulty pressure cookers and the need for manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety.

Recent Missouri cases have seen individuals sustaining severe burns as a result of malfunctioning pressure cookers, including brands like Crock-Pot and TriStar. These cases emphasize the importance of adequate safety features and proper handling instructions for these devices.

Pressure cookers, when poorly designed or manufactured, can significantly risk users’ safety, resulting in life-altering injuries and extended legal battles for compensation.

Common Causes of Explosions

Pressure cookers function by sealing in steam, which increases the temperature and pressure inside the pot, allowing cooking temperatures to surpass the normal boiling point. While this efficient cooking method has its benefits, it also presents potential hazards when safety features fail, or manufacturing defects are present.

Common causes of pressure cooker explosions include faulty safety features, manufacturing defects, and insufficient warnings [1]. For example, the Power Pressure Cooker XL has been reported to have inadequate safety features, and TriStar electric pressure cookers have been identified to sometimes pressurize without the locked lid.

These design flaws can lead to pressure cooker explosions, even when the user follows the instructions and releases the pressure correctly, resulting in severe injuries and potential legal action.

Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?

Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, Crock-Pot, Power Pressure Cooker XL, Philippe Richard Pressure Cookers, and TriStar. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers misled consumers regarding the safety of their products and that their pressure cookers exploded, resulting in serious injuries to individuals.

The emergence of more cases necessitates manufacturers to give priority to consumer safety and rectify their products’ design flaws.

Pressure cooker brands like Instant Brands, the manufacturer of Instant Pot pressure cookers, and Sunbeam, the maker of Crock-Pot pressure cookers, have also faced legal challenges.

As these cases continue to unfold, consumers are urged to exercise caution when using pressure cookers and to report any incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit

Plaintiff claims in pressure cooker injury lawsuits often encompass:

• Burn injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Allegations of faulty components or defective lid-locking systems

These claims highlight the need for manufacturers to ensure their products are safe and reliable to protect consumers from potential harm.

Pressure cooker injury lawsuits, including pressure cooker explosion lawsuit cases, may also consider inadequate safety features, with allegations that the device’s safety systems were unable to prevent explosions or malfunctions under intended or reasonably foreseeable usage.

This can include issues such as faulty pressure release valves, inadequate locking mechanisms, or insufficient warning labels. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure their products meet minimum safety standards, and failing to do so can result in serious consequences for both the company and the consumer.

“Defendants also used defective and/or insufficient components and materials that did not prevent consumers from opening the lid while the Product and its contents were under pressure, which contradicted their safety representations and assurances to consumers.”- United States District Court

Common Pressure Cooker Injury

Pressure cooker explosions can result in a range of injuries, with severe first-, second-, and third-degree burns being the most common [2]. These burns can occur when scalding hot contents are released onto the skin, causing painful and potentially life-altering damage.

In addition to burns, pressure cooker explosions can also cause scalds and eye damage, which can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. The potential long-term effects of these injuries underscore the importance of using pressure cookers with caution and ensuring that manufacturers follow strict safety guidelines to protect consumers from harm.

Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Missouri

Settlement amounts in Missouri for pressure cooker lawsuits can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors.

November 2018 saw Kohl’s Department Stores Inc. and Bridget Iovino reach a confidential settlement. Iovino, who suffered second and third-degree burns when her Elite Bistro pressure cooker exploded, was the victim in this case.

The average settlement amount for second-degree burns ranges from $125,000 to $200,000. For third-degree burns, it can be anywhere from $600,000 to $2,000,000. These significant financial awards serve to compensate victims for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the pressure cooker injury.

Filing a Missouri Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

Should you or a loved one suffer an injury or severe burn following a pressure cooker explosion, prompt action and consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer is imperative. An attorney can provide a free consultation and outline the legal options available for pursuing compensation for damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other losses associated with the pressure cooker injury

Collecting evidence of the defective pressure cooker is vital. This includes:

• Broken pieces
• Incident-related documents
• Photographs and videos of the scene and injuries
• Medical records and bills
• Witness statements

Filing your claim quickly ensures that you do not miss the statute of limitations deadline and lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Strict Liability

Strict liability, a legal principle, makes manufacturers and sellers responsible for injuries their products cause, irrespective of their negligence or fault. This enables victims to pursue compensation without having to prove negligence. In a pressure cooker lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that:

• The pressure cooker was defective
• The pressure cooker posed an unreasonable risk of danger
• The defect in the pressure cooker was the cause of their injuries.

Establishing negligence in a pressure cooker lawsuit requires evidence of defects in the design or manufacturing process of the pressure cooker, as well as proof that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions for safe use.

With the help of an experienced attorney, victims of defective pressure cookers can pursue compensation for their injuries and hold manufacturers accountable for their negligence.

FAQs

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.

Have any pressure cookers been recalled due to safety concerns?
Yes, several pressure cookers have been recalled due to safety concerns, including risks of explosions and malfunctioning safety features. Checking for recalls related to your specific pressure cooker model can be crucial for your case.

Can I join a class action lawsuit for pressure cooker-related injuries in Missouri?
You may be able to join a class action or file an individual lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney will help determine the best legal strategy for your situation.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
• Minnesota Pressure Cooker Attorney
• Mississippi Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Missouri Pressure Cooker Lawyers

Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to provide crucial support during your most challenging times. If you or a family member has suffered burn injuries due to a pressure cooker, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team possesses extensive expertise in handling such cases and is fully prepared to assist you at every stage of the process.

You have the right to be well-informed about your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Be reassured that our consultations are always free, and you will not have any expenses unless we achieve a favorable outcome for your case.

Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your situation. Allow us to be your trusted partner on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Crock-Pot-6-Quart-Express-Crock-Multi-Cookers-Recalled-by-Sunbeam-Products-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7746041/