What's the Problem?
According to this 2021 research by Michelle Llamas from Consumer Notice, users have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of pressure cookers for selling allegedly defective products that can explode without warning, spewing hot foods, and scalding liquids on people nearby [1].
As stated by Safer Products, in dozens of cases submitted to the organization [2], consumers have described incidents in which the safety mechanisms built into pressure cookers fail, leading to severe burn injuries, many of which require hospitalization, costly medical treatment, and lost time at work.
What is the Ninja Foodi?
SharkNinja markets several different pressure cookers, multi-cookers, instant pots, and air fryers:
- Ninja Instant Cooker
- Ninja Foodi 5 qt. 6-in-1 Compact Pressure Cooker / Air Fryer
- Ninja Foodi 6.5-qt. Pressure Cooker / Air Fryer
- Ninja Foodi Deluxe 8-qt. Pressure Cooker that Crisps™ | Air Fryer
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
Pressure Cooker Injuries
At least 37 known incidents have been linked to Ninja Foodi appliances which have resulted in injuries including:
- Steam burns
- Eye injuries and blindness
- Traumatic brain injuries (concussion)
- Leg amputation, bleeding, lacerations
- Face burns
- And more
Instances stemming from malfunctioning Ninja Foodi appliances have led to visits to emergency departments, and medical clinics, and a prolonged journey toward recuperation.
Those affected by defective Ninja Foodis have suffered from intense discomfort, both during the explosion and afterward, experiencing disruptions to their work schedules, social engagements, and family time.
General Pressure Cooker Statistics:
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the majority of pressure cooker users are over the age of 30, with 46% of injured parties between the ages of 30 and 50, and 10% between 51 and 70. In 2008, of 39 sampled cases of pressure cooker-associated emergency room visits, 17 involved injuries where the pressure cooker either exploded or liquids burst from the pot, causing burns. The remaining 22 involved contact burns or steam burns.
There have been several recalls of pressure cookers in recent years due to safety concerns, including:
- FagorSplendid Chef: Over 400,000 were recalled from 2007-2015, with more than 70 burn injuries reported.
- Tristar Pressure Cooker: Recall of 145,000 units in 2012 due to lid detachments caused by excess pressure buildup, resulting in 29 reports of injuries.
- Power Pressure Cooker XL: Recall nearly 1 million cookers in 2018 due to explosion and malfunction complaints.
- Instant Pot Gem 65: Some batches were recalled in 2018 for potential fire risk from overheating.
- Crock-Pot Express Crock: 2019 recall of 119,000 units following 99 incidents of the lid detaching violently.
Woman Warns of Exploding Pressure Cooker After Suffering Burns: CBS Miami Video
Ninja Foodi Lawsuit Filed in Georgia
In February 2022, a woman who was allegedly injured by a Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker filed a lawsuit against SHARKNINJA OPERATING, LLC, in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division [3]. Plaintiff Kiah Randle claims that,
On or about March 5, 2020, Plaintiff suffered serious and substantial burn injuries as the direct and proximate result of the pressure cooker’s lid suddenly and unexpectedly exploding off the pressure cooker’s pot during the normal, directed use of the pressure cooker, allowing its scalding hot contents to be forcefully ejected from the pressure cooker and onto Plaintiff.
Randle further alleges that the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker was defectively and negligently designed in a manner that made it fail to properly function to prevent the lid from being removed with normal force while the unit remained pressurized, despite the appearance that all the pressure had been released, during the ordinary, foreseeable and proper use of cooking food with the product; placing Randle, her family, and similar consumers in danger while using the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker.
Ninja Blender Recall
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission notice from 2017, in Nov. 2015, about 1.2 million Ninja blenders were recalled in the U.S. and Canada after SharkNinja received at least 53 reports of lacerations [4].
The agency said that the blender poses a laceration risk if consumers pour or invert the pitcher after removing the lid while the loosely stacked blade assembly is still inside the pitcher.
FAQs
Can I sue if a family member died from injuries related to a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker explosion?
Yes, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member. This can help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and provide compensation for your loss.
How can I find a lawyer specializing in Ninja Foodi pressure cooker lawsuits?
Search online directories, ask for referrals, or contact legal associations for recommendations on specialized attorneys. Choosing an experienced lawyer is crucial for your case.
What are the chances of winning a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker lawsuit?
The outcome depends on the specifics of your case, including the evidence presented and the court's findings. Strong evidence and expert testimony improve your chances.
Related Articles:
- Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
- Bella Pressure Cooker Suit
- Tower Pressure Cooker Explosion Litigation
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
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 Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new burn injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled pressure cooker, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.consumernotice.org/legal/pressure-cooker-lawsuits/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Laceration-Injuries-Prompt-SharkNinja-to-Recall-Ninja-BL660-Blenders
- https://www.saferproducts.gov/
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/Ninja-Foodi-Pressure-Cooker-lawsuit-Randle-Complaint.pdf