NuWave Nutri-Pot Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Attorney

How Does the NuWave Nutri-Pot Work?

According to the Nu Wave, the manufacturer [1], Nutri-Pot Digital Pressure Cooker consists of a cooking pot and a special lid that locks into place on top of the pot. When it is heated, steam is sealed inside, which creates pressure and cooks the food.

The Nutri-Pot can sear, stew, steam, simmer, bake, can, slow cook and keep your food warm with just push of a button, according to NuWave. Prepare everything from soups and desserts to complete meals for the whole family in no time at all.

Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update

What Causes Pressure Cooker Explosions?

Most pressure cooker explosions are caused by one or more of the following problems:

• Damaged Gaskets - The effective operation of your pressure cooker relies heavily on its gaskets, which play a crucial role in diverting steam safely away from the cooking chamber. As pressure accumulates within the unit, periodic release of steam is necessary to prevent potential explosion hazards. Therefore, defective gaskets that fail to open or release pressure regularly can lead to serious malfunctions in your appliance.
• Improper Seal Installation - Upon closing the lid of your pressure cooker, a tight seal is formed, enclosing moisture, pressure, and food within a confined space. Subsequently, the pressure cooker expels all air from this space to facilitate the cooking process. However, if the lid fails to seal properly, the pressure cooker may expel more than just air from its chamber. Poorly installed seals can result in the forceful expulsion of food from the cooking vessel, potentially causing the pressure cooker to rupture. In such instances, individuals in proximity to the explosion risk sustaining severe burns, while significant damage may also be inflicted upon countertops or stovetops.
• Obstructed or Faulty Vents - The vents of your pressure cooker play a critical role in releasing excess air from the cooking chamber without posing a threat to the surrounding environment. However, vents that are improperly constructed or become clogged over time may retain air within the unit's chamber. Under these circumstances, the combination of trapped air, pressure, and food can culminate in a hazardous explosion. In the event of pressure cooker damage, it's essential to inspect the vents post-incident. Manufacturers may attempt to shift liability by alleging inadequate maintenance on your part. Collaborating with legal counsel, however, can enable you to assert that the explosion resulted from a manufacturing defect, thus holding the manufacturer accountable for your losses.
• Overfilled Pressure Cooker Chambers - Prior to using your pressure cooker, familiarize yourself with its capacity limitations. Overfilling the cooking chamber can lead to food being expelled from the unit during the cooking process, resulting in a messy kitchen upon your return. Regrettably, pressure cooker explosions attributable to human error may not be subject to legal recourse. If uncertainty persists regarding the underlying cause of the malfunction, seek guidance from our legal team for a thorough evaluation of your circumstances and potential avenues for pursuing a case.

Pressure Cooker Injuries

• Severe burns to the arms, legs, face, and other parts of the body
• Scars and disfigurement
• Damages to kitchen walls, cabinets, and floors
• And more

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.

Louisiana Man Files NuWave Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

According to the Louisiana Record, a chef asserts that a pressure cooker malfunction led to severe burns on his chest, face, and arms [2].

Donald Douglas Depp Sr. initiated legal action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against NuWave LLC, citing breach of warranty, and strict product liability related to manufacturing and/or design defects, among other claims.

The plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 15, 2015, he was severely injured and sustained serious burns when the NuWave pressure cooker he purchased from the defendant exploded after he had released the pressure as indicated in its instruction manual, the complaint states. 

The plaintiff seeks a jury trial and demands compensation for all actual damages, with interest, costs, expenses, attorney fees, and any other appropriate relief.

The case is registered in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana under case number 2:16-cv-17126.

Nutri-Pot Lawsuit Filed in Illinois

In June 2019, a resident of Tennessee initiated legal proceedings against NuWave Nutri-Pot Pressure Cooker after sustaining burns, as indicated in a lawsuit filed in May 2020 [3].

The case revolves around a specific model, the NuWave Nutri-Pot 6-Quart Digital Pressure Cooker, identified by its Model Number 33101.

On or about June 22, 2019, Plaintiff suffered serious and substantial burn injuries as the direct and proximate result of the pressure cooker’s lid being able to be rotated and opened while the pressure cooker was still under pressure, 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," the complaint states. 

NuWave is accused of neglecting to recall the pressure cooker despite an increasing number of complaints and legal actions from individuals who suffered burns following explosions.

The lawsuit was officially filed on May 27, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Eastern Division), under Case No. 1:20-cv-03124.

FAQs

Can I return my NuWave Nutri-Pot pressure cooker if it’s recalled?

Yes, if your NuWave Nutri-Pot pressure cooker is recalled, follow the manufacturer’s recall instructions, which typically involve returning the product for a refund or replacement. Contact the manufacturer or retailer for specific return procedures.

How can I report a malfunction or injury caused by a NuWave Nutri-Pot pressure cooker?

You can report a malfunction or injury caused by a NuWave Nutri-Pot pressure cooker to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) through their website or hotline. Providing detailed information helps track and address product safety issues.

How can a lawyer assist in a NuWave Nutri-Pot pressure cooker lawsuit?

A lawyer can assist by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, filing legal claims, negotiating settlements, and representing you in court. Their expertise ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries and associated damages.

Can a pressure cooker lawsuit include claims for property damage?

Yes, a pressure cooker lawsuit can include claims for property damage. If the pressure cooker malfunctioned and caused damage to your home or personal property, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.

Related Articles:

• Sunbeam Crock Pots Recall
• Elite Bistro Pressure Cooker Litigation
• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Explosion Suit

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

Get a Free NuWave Nutri-Pot 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 NuWave Nutri-Pot 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 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.

References:

1. https://www.nuwavenow.com/blogs/recipes/tagged/mp-nutri-pot-pressure-cooker
2. https://louisianarecord.com/stories/511062989-man-claims-nuwave-pressure-cooker-failed-caused-burns-on-body
3. https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/NuWave-Pressure-Cooker-Lawsuit-Filed-in-Illinois-Federal-Court-by-Johnson-Becker-PLLC.pdf