Utah Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Attorney

Pressure cookers are incredibly useful kitchen appliances, but when things go wrong, they can cause serious harm. Utah has seen its fair share of pressure cooker injury lawsuits, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of Utah pressure cooker lawsuits, the brands involved, common injuries, and the steps to take if you find yourself in need of legal action.

Should you or a family member have experienced injuries due to a pressure cooker, our devoted team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to help. Known nationwide for our expertise in representing plaintiffs, our main objective is to ensure you receive the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.

Utah Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuits

Pressure cookers, including Instant Pot pressure cookers, have been at the center of numerous pressure cooker lawsuits in Utah. These lawsuits often involve incidents where the pressure cooker exploded, forcefully ejecting scalding hot contents onto unsuspecting users, causing severe burn injuries.

In many cases, the victims claim to have followed all safety precautions and proper handling of the pressure cooker lid.

Instant Brands, the manufacturer of Instant Pot, has been named in several lawsuits, including the recent Instant Pot lawsuit in April 2021 by Utah resident Lucy Perkins.

The Incident

One of the most notable incidents involving a pressure cooker explosion in Utah occurred on July 2, 2019, when a woman from Katy, Texas, sustained severe burns due to her Instant Pot malfunctioning.

The victim, a 9-year-old girl, suffered 3rd-degree burns on her face and body after her Instant Pot released hot soup and steam. The lawsuit alleges that defects in the lid and lid locking systems allowed the cooker to be opened before it was fully depressurized, resulting in the explosion.

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects refer to flaws in the design or construction of a product that renders it unsafe for use. Modern electric pressure cookers, like Instant Pot, have been equipped with digital controls and a variety of cooking functions, as well as safety features like pressure release valves and locking lids to mitigate the risk of explosions.

However, some defective pressure cookers have been found to render these safety measures ineffective, leading to catastrophic accidents and injuries.

“The pressure cooker has incorrect volume markings on the inner pot. This can cause consumers to overfill the pot and hot food and liquids to be ejected when the pressure cooker is vented using the quick release method or opened while its contents are pressurized, posing a burn hazard to consumers.”- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Which Pressure Cooker Brands Are Named in The Lawsuits?

Pressure cooker brands that are named in the lawsuits include Cook’s Essentials and Instant Pot Ultra. Instant Pot pressure cookers, manufactured by Instant Brands, are equipped with multiple safety features, like pressure regulators and lid position detection mechanisms, to safeguard against potential explosions.

However, some Instant Pot models have been involved in lawsuits, alleging defects in the safety mechanisms that resulted in severe injuries.

Plaintiff Claims in Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit

Plaintiffs in pressure cooker injury lawsuits often assert that the appliance is defective due to the fact that the lid can be removed with normal force. At the same time, the unit remains pressurized despite the appearance that all of the pressure has been released.

Additionally, they claim that the faulty designs, malfunctioning lids, and subpar materials used in the construction of the pressure cooker contributed to their injuries.

They might also argue that flaws in the lid or lid locking systems caused the cooker to open prematurely before it was fully depressurized, causing accidents and injuries.

Common Pressure Cooker Injury

Common injuries caused by pressure cooker explosions can include burns, scarring, and amputations [1]. These accidents can result in long-term physical and emotional trauma, as well as significant medical expenses and lost wages.

Understanding the risks associated with pressure cookers and taking necessary safety precautions can help to minimize the likelihood of such injuries occurring.

Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Utah

The settlement amount in Utah pressure cooker lawsuits is usually determined based on the magnitude of the damages sustained, including physical injuries. The potential settlement value for 3rd-degree burn injuries is estimated to be between $125,000 and $950,000.

The average settlement amount for pressure cooker lawsuits in Utah can range from $125,000 to $200,000 for second-degree burns, depending on the severity of the injury.

However, bear in mind that each case is distinct, and the settlement amount can fluctuate significantly depending on the individual circumstances of the incident.

Filing a Utah Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

Suppose a defective pressure cooker has injured you. In that case, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation. In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a defective product lawsuit is four years.

When filing a pressure cooker injury lawsuit in Utah, you may require the following evidence:

• Medical records and bills associated with your injuries
• Photos and videos of the injuries and the scene of the incident
• Witness statements from individuals who observed the incident or can supply information about the defect or malfunction of the pressure cooker.

Product Liability Lawsuits

A product liability lawsuit is a legal action initiated by a consumer against a manufacturer or retailer for supplying a defective or hazardous product that resulted in harm or damage [2].

In pressure cooker injury cases, defective individuals may file lawsuits against the manufacturers, alleging that the pressure cooker was defective and caused the injury. The plaintiffs may pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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 Utah?
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:

• Texas Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
• South Dakota Pressure Cooker Attorney
• Tennessee Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Utah Pressure Cooker Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to exploding pressure cookers, Schmidt and Clark, LLP are ready and willing to stand by your side. We’re well-equipped to handle these cases and are committed to guiding you through every step.

You must be aware of your legal rights and the potential for filing a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Schmidt and Clark for a thorough evaluation of your situation. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.

Reference:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/products_liability