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Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Overview
Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker lawsuits allege that defective lid-locking mechanisms allow users to open the device while it is still pressurized, causing severe burns and injuries.
The primary allegations against the manufacturer claim that the product's "Built-In Safety Features" fail during normal use, leading to explosions of scalding food and steam.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed across the country, including individual cases and class actions in California and Texas, with plaintiffs reporting second and third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment. The lawsuits assert claims of negligence, breach of warranty, and defective product design.
Similar Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
The Wolfgang Puck Automatic Rapid Pressure Cooker is not the first such appliance reported to explode and cause severe burn/scald injuries.
Six plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against Tristar Products, Inc., claiming they were severely burned when the "Built-In Safety Features" of the Power Pressure Cooker XL failed during use [1].
All 6 claimants allege to have sustained severe burn injuries as a result of the pressure cooker having a lid that is able to be rotated and opened while still pressurized, causing its scalding hot contents to be forcefully ejected from the Pressure Cooker and onto [plaintiff], according to the lawsuit.
A class action settlement is now providing owners of allegedly defective Tristar power pressure cookers with warranty extensions and credits toward purchases of new products.
However, if you or someone you know has been injured by one of these appliances, you need to opt out of this class action settlement and contact our law firm immediately, as the settlement does not provide compensation for injuries.
Latest Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit 2025 Updates
April 2025; A new class action settlement is under negotiation for owners of certain Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker models, potentially offering warranty extensions and credits toward purchases of new products.
Injury victims are being advised to opt out of this settlement to preserve their right to pursue individual compensation claims.
December 2024: A California court has consolidated several Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker injury lawsuits, with the first bellwether trials expected to begin in mid-2025.
These cases involve plaintiffs who suffered severe burns when their pressure cookers allegedly malfunctioned despite normal use.
July 2022: California resident Angela T. filed a lawsuit after suffering serious burn injuries caused by her Wolfgang Puck 8-Quart Rapid Pressure Cooker (Model Number BPCRM800).
According to the complaint, the pressure cooker allowed its lid to be opened while still under pressure, ejecting boiling food and steam onto her.
June 2022: Texas woman Tabitha W. filed a class action lawsuit alleging she suffered second and third-degree burns when her Wolfgang Puck Automatic Rapid Pressure Cooker exploded at the end of its cooking cycle.
The lawsuit accuses the manufacturer of negligence, strict product liability, breach of warranty, and defective product design.
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
CPSC Reports and Statistics
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has documented numerous pressure cooker injuries and safety concerns [2]:
- Pressure cooker incidents have increased by approximately 32% since 2018 as electric models have gained popularity.
- Over 500 emergency room visits annually are attributed to pressure cooker-related injuries.
- Second and third-degree burns account for approximately 87% of reported pressure cooker injuries.
Specific incidents documented by the CPSC include:
- A 46-year-old woman suffered second-degree burns when her Fagor pressure cooker unexpectedly ejected its contents.
- A 34-year-old mother and her toddler sustained third-degree burns when a pressure cooker lid detached while still pressurized.
- A 61-year-old woman suffered severe burns after attempting to add ingredients to an Elite pressure cooker that still retained pressure.
The CPSC has issued multiple safety alerts regarding pressure cooker dangers, particularly concerning lid-locking mechanisms
Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Injuries & Side Effects
Defective pressure cookers can cause catastrophic injuries when they malfunction, especially when the lid-locking mechanism fails and allows the device to be opened while still under pressure.
- Thermal Burns: Second and third-degree burns requiring skin grafts, extensive treatment, and often resulting in permanent scarring.
- Facial Injuries: Burns and lacerations to the face that may require reconstructive surgery.
- Nerve and Tissue Damage: Long-term or permanent damage from severe burns that can affect mobility and sensation.
- Property Damage: Significant damage to kitchen walls, cabinets, and floors from forceful ejection of contents.
- Psychological Trauma: Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD related to the traumatic injury and recovery process.
What Makes These Pressure Cookers Dangerous?
Many defective pressure cookers, including certain Wolfgang Puck models, have a faulty lid-locking mechanism that allows users to open the lid while the device is still pressurized.
This can cause:
- Scalding liquid and steam to shoot out unexpectedly
- Severe burns to the face, arms, and torso
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage from forceful ejection of hot contents
According to Wolfgang Puck, the Rapid Electric Pressure Cooker is designed to capture the slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time required by conventional cooking.
The appliance cooks recipes including fish, chicken, fresh vegetables, rice, and legumes with a precision thermostat that regulates temperature and pressure [3].
When a liquid under pressure is suddenly depressurized, the gases inside expand rapidly. They can 'explode' out of the pot with catastrophic results for those nearby. This is not an actual 'explosion' that results from combustion, but the rapid -- nearly instantaneous -- expansion of gases.
Do You Qualify for a Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker lawsuit if:
- You own or used a Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker, particularly the Automatic Rapid Pressure Cooker or 8-Quart Rapid Pressure Cooker (Model Number BPCRM800)
- You suffered burns or other injuries when the pressure cooker exploded or ejected its contents
- You were using the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Your injuries required medical treatment
- The incident occurred within the applicable statute of limitations for your state
Evidence Required for a Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
To strengthen your claim, you should provide:
- Photos of your injuries and the pressure cooker
- Medical records and bills documenting your treatment
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the incident
- Purchase receipt or proof of ownership of the pressure cooker
- The pressure cooker itself (do not discard it as it serves as crucial evidence)
- Any instruction manuals or packaging materials
Damages You Can Recover
If you have been injured by a defective Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries and recovery
- Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the injury
- Permanent disfigurement: Compensation for scarring and lasting physical changes
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence by the manufacturer
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
- Decades of product liability experience – Our legal team has successfully handled numerous pressure cooker injury cases.
- No win, no fee guarantee – We only get paid if you receive a settlement.
- Nationwide representation – We accept cases from all 50 states.
- Proven track record – We have secured millions for injury victims in product defect cases.
"Pressure cooker burns can be devastating, but victims have legal options. Our firm is committed to holding manufacturers accountable for dangerous products."
Statute of Limitations for Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a pressure cooker lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Some states also apply a "discovery rule," which means the timeline begins when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective product.
It's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a pressure cooker injury to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe. Waiting too long could permanently bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
If a family member died due to a pressure cooker explosion, wrongful death statutes of limitations generally range from 1-3 years, depending on your state.
Related Article: Why Do Pressure Cookers Explode?
FAQs
1. Can I sue if a family member died due to a pressure cooker explosion?
Yes, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship if a loved one died from injuries caused by a defective pressure cooker.
2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your legal rights, as waiting too long could permanently bar your claim.
3. How is a class action lawsuit different from an individual lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit represents a large group of people with similar claims, while an individual lawsuit focuses solely on your specific injuries and damages. For serious pressure cooker injuries, an individual lawsuit often provides better compensation than participating in a class action.
4. How much compensation can I receive?
The amount varies based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and other factors. Settlements for serious burn injuries from pressure cookers can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
5. Will I need to go to court for my pressure cooker lawsuit?
While most pressure cooker lawsuits settle without going to trial, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough approach often leads to higher settlement offers and better outcomes for our clients.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get Your Free Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for pressure cooker injuries. Every state has strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing product liability claims, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Waiting too long could permanently bar your right to compensation.
Our Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential case evaluations to determine your legal options
- No upfront costs or attorney fees – we only get paid if we win your case
- Nationwide representation with expertise in pressure cooker litigation
- Dedicated attorneys who will fight aggressively for maximum compensation
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered a severe burn or other injury caused by an exploding pressure cooker, whether or not the pressure cooker has been recalled, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.chaffinluhana.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tristar-pressure-cooker-complaint-tx-6-12-2015.pdf
- https://www.saferproducts.gov/
- https://wolfgangpuck.com/retail/