Pressure cookers exploding during meal preparation have caused severe injuries to numerous individuals. Tennessee pressure cooker lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for these incidents and seek compensation for the victims.
Should you or a family member have endured injuries due to a pressure cooker incident, our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to support you.
As a law firm with a nationwide reputation and expertise in representing plaintiffs, our primary mission is to help you obtain the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
Tennessee Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits
Tennessee pressure cooker lawsuits offer victims a chance to seek compensation for injuries induced by defective pressure cookers. Various brands like Instant Pot, Power Pressure Cooker XL, and Breville are held accountable through these lawsuits for the harm caused by their products.
Frequent pressure cooker injuries often involve burn injuries and psychological distress, which can occur when a pressure cooker’s lid blows off.
The Incident Behind the Lawsuit
A Tennessee woman filed the lawsuit after suffering severe injuries from an exploding pressure cooker, a suspected defective Breville pressure cooker.
The explosion of the Power Pressure Cooker XL was due to the malfunctioning safety valve, resulting in scalding hot fluid release and the lid’s forceful ejection. The lawsuit, which centers on exploding pressure cookers, names Breville USA, Inc. as the defendant.
The plaintiff sustained permanent damage to her abdomen when the cooker exploded, projecting scalding hot liquid and steam onto her body.
Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?
Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Instant Pot, Power Pressure Cooker XL, Breville, and Crock Pot Pressure Cooker due to some instances involving a defective power pressure cooker.
These electric pressure cookers are identified to possess design flaws, potentially leading to malfunctions and boiling liquid ejection during pressure cooking, resulting in severe burns and disfigurement.
It is advised to verify if the pressure cooker has been recalled, especially if it has a safety locking lid that may be defective.
Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit
Plaintiffs in pressure cooker injury lawsuits claim that the negligent design and manufacturing of pressure cookers led to severe injuries. In the case of the Instant Pot pressure cooker, the mother claimed that the product was “dangerously defective.”
She held the manufacturer accountable for not warning about the risks and for not rectifying the faulty lid lock.
In the Breville pressure cooker lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that the pressure cookers were negligently designed and manufactured, resulting in serious injuries. The most frequent plaintiff claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits are burn injuries caused by malfunctioning pressure cookers.
Common Pressure Cooker Injury
Frequent injuries from pressure cookers include [1]:
- Burns
- Scalds
- Cuts
- Broken bones due to explosions or faulty safety features
Defective vents, lids, seals, gaskets, or locks can cause defective pressure cooker explosions. Manufacturers have mass-produced designs with inadequate safety features, resulting in these unfortunate incidents.
Victims have reported burn scarring, PTSD, and other serious injuries resulting from defective pressure cookers.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Tennessee
Settlement amounts in Tennessee pressure cooker lawsuits hinge on various factors, including:
- Injury severity
- Impact on the victim’s life quality
- Incident-induced long-term effects or disabilities
- Manufacturer’s liability
Estimated settlement amounts range from $40,000 to $950,000.
For example, settlements may range from $125,000 to $200,000 for second-degree burns and $600,000 and above for more severe injuries. It is recommended to consult with a legal professional to get an accurate assessment of your particular case.
Filing a Tennessee Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
Filing a Tennessee pressure cooker lawsuit entails lodging a product liability lawsuit, complying with the statute of limitations, and providing evidence of negligence and defect in court.
In Tennessee, the exact requirements for filing a product liability claim include submitting the claim within 10 years of the date the product was initially purchased for use or consumption, initiating the lawsuit within one year of the injury or death caused by the defective product, and demonstrating that the product is defective or unreasonably dangerous [2].
Filing a Product Liability Claim
A product liability claim mandates manufacturers to take responsibility for the harm caused by their defective products. Filing a product liability claim in Tennessee involves several steps, including:
- Evidence collection
- Legal counsel
- Liability determination
- Complaint submission
- Discovery phase participation
- Negotiation or trial engagement
- Trial and verdict involvement
“Even though modern household appliances are comparatively safer now than they ever have been, a defect in the product design or manufacturing process can put lives at risk.”- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The legal definition of a defective product under Tennessee law is any product that is deemed to be unsafe for its anticipated and normal use and consumption. Expert testimony and evidence may be necessary to support your claim.
Statute of Limitations in Tennessee
The relevant state legislation prescribes a one-year limit from the injury date for filing a pressure cooker lawsuit in Tennessee [3]. It is essential to file a lawsuit within the stipulated time frame to ensure compliance with the statute of limitations.
Missing the statute of limitations deadline can result in the individual losing their ability to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries. In certain circumstances, the statute of limitations can be extended, such as when criminal charges are pending against the defendant.
Proving Negligence and Defect in Tennessee Courts
Evidence of a design or manufacturing flaw causing the injury is required to prove negligence and defect in Tennessee courts. The necessary evidence to demonstrate negligence may include:
- Demonstrating that the defendant had an obligation of care towards the plaintiff
- Indicating that the defendant breached that obligation of care
- Demonstrating that the defendant’s breach of duty caused harm or injury to the plaintiff
- Providing proof of the damages suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
In order to establish a connection between the defect and the injury, it is necessary to demonstrate that the defendant had knowledge of or should have had knowledge of the defects in the pressure cooker but still chose to sell it and that the faulty valve in the pressure cooker caused the pressure to build inside, resulting in the injury.
FAQs
Is there a statute of limitations for filing a pressure cooker lawsuit in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee’s statute of limitations for product liability cases generally allows one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected.
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.
Related Articles:
- South Carolina Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
- South Dakota Pressure Cooker Attorney
- Rhode Island Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Tennesse Pressure Cooker Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been affected by a pressure cooker accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at Schmidt and Clark, LLP. We are experienced in handling cases like yours and are committed to supporting you throughout the process.
We believe in your right to fully understand your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t be charged unless we successfully obtain a positive result for your case.
Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough evaluation of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.
Reference:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33655192/
- https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SOL-CHART.pdf
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-28/chapter-3/part-1/section-28-3-104/