Ohio Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Attorney

Imagine preparing a meal in your kitchen, only to have your pressure cooker explode unexpectedly, causing severe burns and property damage. This frightening scenario has become a reality for many Ohio residents, leading to a wave of Ohio pressure cooker lawsuit cases against pressure cooker manufacturers and retailers.

These lawsuits aim to hold these parties accountable for the injuries and damages caused by exploding appliances, seeking justice and compensation for victims.

If you, or someone close to you, have been harmed by a malfunctioning pressure cooker, the experienced legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to lend you a hand.

As a law firm with national recognition and a focus on representing plaintiffs, our primary objective is to ensure you receive the justice you are due and the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Ohio Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits

In recent years, there has been a surge in pressure cooker lawsuits filed in Ohio, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Physical pain
• Mental anguish

These lawsuits target both manufacturers, such as Instant Brands Inc., which produces the popular Instant Pot pressure cooker, and retailers like Walmart, which sells brands like Farberware. The main concern in these cases is the safety of pressure cookers and the injuries caused by their explosions.

In most cases, pressure cookers are designed with safety features to prevent such accidents. However, malfunctions and design flaws can still occur, leading to dangerous explosions.

This has prompted a slew of lawsuits against various brands and retailers, with plaintiffs claiming that these parties failed to ensure the safety of their products, resulting in:

• Painful bodily injuries
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages

To better understand the risks associated with pressure cookers and the reasons behind these lawsuits, we must examine the safety features and potential malfunctions of these appliances.

Pressure Cooker Safety Features and Malfunctions

Pressure cookers, sometimes referred to as multi-pots or one-pots, are kitchen appliances that use steam pressure to cook food quickly. Electric pressure cookers, like the Instant Pot, are equipped with safety features, such as ten safety mechanisms, designed to prevent consumers from opening the lid while the device is pressurized.

Instant pot pressure cookers, however, can still experience manufacturing errors and design flaws that lead to dangerous malfunctions despite these safety precautions.

One of the most significant risks associated with pressure cookers is the potential for explosions, which can occur when the high pressure and temperatures within the device cause the pressure cooker’s lid to detach forcefully. This can send scalding hot contents flying across the room, causing severe burns and other injuries to anyone nearby.

Several pressure cooker brands, including Instant Pot, have faced recalls and lawsuits due to safety concerns surrounding these hazardous incidents. However, with proper use and maintenance, a pressure cooker’s safe operation can be ensured.

“Millions of crockpots, pressure cookers, and instant pots have been recalled in recent years because of users getting injured and burned in explosions.”- Consumer Notice.org

Consumers should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions when using pressure cookers to lessen the likelihood of explosions and injuries. However, even with proper use, accidents can still happen due to a faulty pressure cooker, leading to the many lawsuits we see today involving exploding pressure cookers.

Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?

Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Farberware, Instant Pot, and others. These lawsuits often stem from manufacturing defects or design flaws that lead to pressure cooker explosions, causing severe injuries to consumers.

Some of these brands have faced recalls in the past due to safety concerns. For example, Instant Pot Smart and Instant Pot Smart 60 were recalled in 2015 due to potential shock hazards and electrical burns. Similarly, the Instant Pot Gen 65 8-in-1 Multicooker was recalled in 2018 for a defect that could cause overheating, melting, and potential fire.

Farberware and Walmart Sued in Ohio

One notable pressure cooker lawsuit in Ohio involves a Farberware pressure cooker and Walmart, where plaintiffs claim that a Farberware 7-in-1 programmable pressure cooker exploded during use, causing severe injuries. The explosion occurred while the cooker was still under pressure, which should not have been possible if the safety features were functioning correctly.

In this lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that Farberware and Walmart neglected to warn consumers about the potential defects in the pressure cooker, which could cause serious injuries.

They also argue that the companies extolled the safety features of the product, which were supposed to prevent such accidents from happening. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages as a result of the incident.

Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit

Plaintiffs in pressure cooker injury lawsuits generally allege that manufacturers and retailers failed to guarantee the safety of their products, leading to severe injuries. These claims often center around defective safety features, lid or seal failures, and manufacturing defects that contribute to pressure cooker explosions.

In many cases, the injuries sustained in these explosions are severe and long-lasting, with victims suffering from second-and third-degree burns, scarring, and limitations in movement.

These lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers and retailers accountable for their negligence and to compensate victims for their pain, suffering, and other damages resulting from faulty pressure cookers.

Common Pressure Cooker Injury

Pressure cooker explosions can be dangerous. The most common forms of burn injuries include [1]:

• Second- and third-degree burns from steam, spills, and blasts
• These injuries often affect the face, body, and hands. They can be severe enough to require hospital visits, skin grafts, and surgeries.
• Scarring, discomfort, and limitations in movement are potential long-term effects of these severe burns.

In addition to physical injuries, pressure cooker explosions can also cause significant property damage. The force of the explosion can send boiling-hot contents flying across the room, damaging furniture, walls, and other belongings. This adds to the overall impact of these incidents on victims and their families.

Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Ohio

Settlement amounts in Ohio pressure cooker lawsuits can vary greatly, depending on the severity of injuries and damages sustained by the plaintiffs. For instance, second-degree burns may result in settlement values ranging from around $40,000 to $150,000, with an average payout of approximately $125,000 to $200,000.

Several factors influence these settlement amounts, including:

• The severity of the injury
• The extent of medical expenses
• The location of the burn
• The specific model of the pressure cooker
• The extent of negligence or liability on the part of the manufacturer

These factors may also be taken into consideration when determining settlement amounts.

Filing an Ohio Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, taking the necessary steps to file a lawsuit in Ohio is a must. First, seek medical treatment for your injuries, as this will not only ensure your well-being but also serve as evidence in your case.

Next, consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in product liability cases, and offers free case consultations.

Provide your attorney with all relevant information and evidence, such as medical records, photographs, and any documentation related to the pressure cooker. Your attorney will investigate the case, gather additional evidence, and determine the strength of your claim.

Suppose your attorney believes you have a valid case. In that case, they will file a lawsuit on your behalf in the appropriate Ohio court. The legal process will involve discovery, negotiations, and potentially a trial. If successful, you may be awarded compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Consulting with a qualified attorney who can provide personalized advice based on the specific details of your case is of utmost importance. This will ensure that your case is handled professionally and efficiently, increasing your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What are the chances of winning a 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.

What should I do if my pressure cooker lawsuit is part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL)?
If your case is part of an MDL, it will be consolidated with other similar cases for pre-trial proceedings. This can streamline the process and potentially lead to a more efficient resolution.

Are there any precedents of successful pressure cooker lawsuits in Ohio?
Yes, there have been successful lawsuits against manufacturers for pressure cooker-related injuries, resulting in substantial settlements and verdicts for plaintiffs. Consulting a local attorney can provide insights into similar cases and potential outcomes.

Related Articles:

• North Dakota Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
• New York Pressure Cooker Attorney
• North Carolina Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Ohio Pressure Cooker Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand ready to assist you in your time of need. If you or a family member has been injured due to an electric pressure cooker, we urge you to get in touch with us.

We firmly believe in your right to be informed about your legal options and your possible eligibility for a lawsuit. We guarantee that our consultations are always free, and you won’t face any fees unless we achieve a successful outcome for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a complete assessment of your case. We are here to be your trusted guide on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33655192/