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Table Of Contents
- What is the Power Pressure Cooker XL?
- What’s the Problem with Power Pressure Cooker XL?
- Which Injuries Have Been Linked to Pressure Cookers?
- Tristar Hit With Lawsuits Over Exploding Pressure Cookers
- Tristar Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Filed in Florida
- Tristar Settles Pressure Cooker Burn Injury Claim
- What Do I Do If My Pressure Cooker Safety Lid Malfunctioned?
- FAQs
- Get a Free Power Pressure Cooker XL Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
What is the Power Pressure Cooker XL?
The Power Pressure Cooker XL was designed and manufactured by Tristar Products, Inc.
Tristar applied for trademark and copyright protection in 2014, and the Power Pressure Cooker XL was soon available at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target.
According to the Tristar website [1], the Power Pressure Cooker XL “allows the at-home cook to have an affordable, healthy, and homemade meal on the table in minutes,” and “prepares family favorite recipes up to 70% faster than other conventional ways of cooking.
Tristar also states that its Power Pressure Cooker XL has several safety features, including:
- Temperature controls to ensure even heat;
- Cutoff mechanisms to prevent dangerously high temperatures;
- Safety pressure release valve and backup release valve;
- Pressure monitor to prevent dangerous steam build-up; and
- A mechanism that prevents the opening of the lid until the pressure is properly vented.
Eye-Opening Pressure Cooker Statistics You Need to Know
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 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.
What’s the Problem with Power Pressure Cooker XL?
According to Consumer Reports research from 2017, the problem with modern electric pressure cookers is that some manufacturers have been mass-producing faulty designs in their safety features [2].
Because these appliances cook at such high temperatures with scalding hot steam, just one bad part can result in a defective Power Pressure Cooker XL. For example:
- If the pressure valve on the electric pressure cooker is faulty, it may cause the lid to open prematurely, causing all the pressure to escape.
- If the lid on the power cooker does not seal properly, steam may eject the lid, causing pressure cooker malfunction resulting in boiling food and metal pieces exploding all over the kitchen.
- If there is no manual safety shut-off for Tristar pressure cooker usage, or if the automatic shut-off is defective, the appliance may release pressure and cause a fire or explosion.
Timeline of Manufacturer Awareness
The timeline regarding manufacturer awareness of pressure cooker hazards is crucial in understanding liability:
- Early 2000s: Reports of pressure cooker-related injuries begin to surface, raising concerns about safety standards.
- 2006: The CPSC issues a notice highlighting various injuries linked to pressure cookers, prompting manufacturers to review safety protocols.
- 2010s: Increased media coverage and consumer advocacy led to more scrutiny of pressure cooker designs and safety features.
- 2019: Several manufacturers recall defective models after reports of explosions and severe injuries, indicating awareness of potential dangers.
- Present Day: Ongoing discussions about improving safety regulations and consumer education regarding proper use.
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
Which Injuries Have Been Linked to Pressure Cookers?
While efficient kitchen appliances, pressure cookers can pose significant dangers if they malfunction or are misused.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), various injuries have been linked to pressure cookers, including [3]:
- Serious Burn Injuries
- Hot Steam Burns
- Second-Degree Burns
- Third-Degree Burns
- Extensive and Severe Burns
- Eye Injuries and Blindness
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Scalds
- Permanent Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Severe Pain
- Kitchen and/or Property Damage
Understanding Injury Severity
To better understand the potential consequences of pressure cooker accidents, injuries can be categorized into severity levels:
| Severity Level | Description | Examples of Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Injuries | Generally, non-life-threatening injuries may require minimal medical attention. | First-degree burns, minor scalds |
| Moderate Injuries | More serious injuries may require medical treatment but are not life-threatening. | Second-degree burns, minor eye irritation |
| Severe Injuries | Serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and may have long-term consequences. | Third-degree burns, eye injuries leading to blindness |
| Catastrophic Injuries | Life-altering injuries may result in permanent disability or significant medical intervention. | Traumatic brain injuries, amputations, extensive burns |
Tristar Hit With Lawsuits Over Exploding Pressure Cookers
Many consumers believe that pressure cookers are defective. A faulty valve, they say, causes pressure to build inside the cooker – with no way of escaping.
When the pressure cooker is opened – and despite Tristar’s advertisements of a “steam release valve” – the pressure cooker explodes due to the pressure released, spewing scalding hot contents over unsuspecting users.
The danger is only magnified if a young child happens to be in the kitchen at the same time. Another thing to remember is that many of these explosions have resulted in children enduring severe pain, emergency room visits, and other medical treatment.
As stated by the Case Text Organization 2018 publication, hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed against Tristar Products, with injured consumers seeking significant financial compensation for alleged burn injuries and emotional trauma [4]. Our experienced product liability lawyers are leading this growing litigation.
Tristar Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Filed in Florida
In September 2021, a man from Chicago, Illinois, filed a pressure cooker lawsuit against Tristar Inc. in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District in Walton County, Florida [5].
On or about October 13, 2019, the Plaintiff suffered serious and substantial 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.
Tristar Settles Pressure Cooker Burn Injury Claim
Tristar Products has entered an undisclosed settlement agreement with a couple who accused Tristar of manufacturing a defective, faulty pressure cooker.
In their federal claim, the plaintiffs described how a Power Pressure Cooker XL exploded when the safety valve dropped, causing scalding hot fluid to be released from the pressure inside. The case was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Plaintiff Mrs. V made her pressure cooker work to cook food for the first time on August 2, 2014, according to the lawsuit. Following the device’s included instructions, she proceeded to prepare pinto beans for her family’s dinner. The safe lock lid appeared to be working fine.
When the cooker finished cooking, she unplugged the device and left it on the counter to warm her cooked beans. Two hours later, “without warning, pinto beans burst at boiling point from the zip cooker,” the complaint states. Mrs. V was instantly covered in scalding hot pinto beans from the sealed pot.
She suffered “extensive and severe burns,” and her husband rushed her to the emergency room. Mrs. V spent 20 days in the hospital, undergoing a battery of treatments for her burns. She is permanently scarred.
Significant Settlements in Pressure Cooker Injury Cases
Several notable settlements have arisen from pressure cooker injury cases:
- Settlement for Severe Burns: A victim who sustained third-degree burns due to a malfunctioning pressure cooker received a settlement of $500,000 after proving that the manufacturer failed to implement adequate safety measures.
- Eye Injury Case: A plaintiff who suffered permanent eye damage from flying debris during a pressure cooker explosion settled for $300,000 after demonstrating negligence on the manufacturer’s part regarding safety warnings.
- Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement: A case involving a traumatic brain injury due to a pressure cooker explosion resulted in a $1 million settlement when evidence showed that the product was defectively designed.
What Do I Do If My Pressure Cooker Safety Lid Malfunctioned?
If you’re the unfortunate victim of a pressure cooker explosion, the first thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention.
First-degree burns are mild and result only in the reddening of the skin. Second-degree burns affect the lower layers of skin and will appear red and swollen, and will develop blisters. Third-degree burns go through all the skin layers to affect the tissues underneath and will appear white or blackened, and may feel numb.
Once the wounds are treated, keep the pressure cooker for evidence, and contact an experienced product liability lawyer for help with your exploding pressure cooker case. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages.
FAQs
What is the role of a product liability lawyer in a pressure cooker lawsuit?
A product liability lawyer can help gather evidence, navigate legal procedures, and advocate on your behalf to maximize your compensation. Their expertise is crucial for building a strong case.
What is the expected timeline for a Power Pressure Cooker XL injury claim?
The expected timeline for a Power Pressure Cooker XL injury claim varies, but most cases take several months to a few years. This depends on evidence gathering, negotiations, and whether the case goes to trial. Consulting with a lawyer can provide a more tailored estimate.
What compensation can I seek in a Power Pressure Cooker XL lawsuit?
The compensation you can seek in a Power Pressure Cooker XL lawsuit typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to the injury. In severe cases, victims may be eligible for additional compensation for long-term effects or emotional distress caused by the incident.
What are the main steps involved in the legal process for this lawsuit?
The main steps involved in the legal process for this lawsuit generally start with filing the claim, gathering evidence, and then negotiating with the opposing party. If a settlement isn’t reached, the case may proceed to trial. Each step aims to establish liability and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
What are some common defenses used in Power Pressure Cooker XL injury cases?
Common defenses used in Power Pressure Cooker XL injury cases include arguing that the user did not follow safety instructions or that the injury was due to misuse. Manufacturers may also claim the injury was an isolated defect or due to modifications made to the pressure cooker.
How do I qualify for compensation in the Power Pressure Cooker XL lawsuit?
To qualify for compensation in the Power Pressure Cooker Xl lawsuit, you’ll generally need to show that the injury occurred while using the Power Pressure Cooker XL as intended and that it was due to a defect or malfunction. A lawyer can review your case details and confirm if you meet the requirements.
What evidence should I gather for a Power Pressure Cooker XL injury claim?
Evidence you should gather for a Power Pressure Cooker XL injury claim includes medical records, photos of your injuries and the cooker, receipts for the product, and any witness statements. This documentation helps substantiate the injury and connects it to the product’s defect or malfunction.
How is the compensation amount determined in Power Pressure Cooker XL cases?
The compensation amount in Power Pressure Cooker XL cases is determined based on factors like the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact. Courts or insurers may also consider pain and suffering; a lawyer can help assess a fair compensation range.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Power Pressure Cooker XL Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of jury trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Power Pressure Cooker XL Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Power Pressure Cooker XL Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered severe burns or other serious injuries caused by pressure cooker explosions, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a class action lawsuit settlement by filing a Power Pressure Cooker XL lawsuit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.tristarproductsinc.com/press-2017-power-pressure-cooker-xl-2.php
- https://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-appliances/electric-vs-stovetop-pressure-cooker/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2007/HSN-LP-Recalls-Ultrex-Brand-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
- https://casetext.com/case/chapman-v-tristar-prods-inc-12
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/Power-Pressure-Cooker-Lawsuit-Zolen-Complaint.pdf
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