Published by Legal actions are being initiated against the manufacturers of the Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker, accusing the product of inflicting serious injuries through scalding liquid and steam.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: 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 compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.
Update: Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Filed in California
In July 2022, a California resident, Angela T., filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of her Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker after suffering burn injuries [1].
On or about August 9, 2020, Plaintiff suffered serious and substantial burn injuries as the direct and proximate result of the pressure cooker’s lid being able to be rotated and opened while the pressure cooker retained 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.
Angela T. claims that she sustained serious burns when she inadvertently opened the lid of her Wolfgang Puck 8-Quart Rapid Pressure Cooker (Model Number BPCRM800) while it still contained dangerous pressure. This resulted in an explosion of scalding-hot food, liquid, and steam.
What is the Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker?
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 [2].
What’s the problem?
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.
Related Article: Why Do Pressure Cookers Explode?
Class Action Filed by Texas Woman Alleging Burns from Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker
Tabitha W., a Texas woman who claims she was severely burned by a defective Wolfgang Puck Automatic Rapid Pressure Cooker, has filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers in Texas.
The plaintiff claims she was using the appliance as directed when it exploded at the end of its cooking cycle, causing second and third-degree burns after boiling gumbo shot onto her skin. Tabitha W. is alleging negligence, gross negligence, breach of warranty, strict product liability, and joint enterprise's causes of action.
Related Article: Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Update
Pressure Cooker Injuries
The Wolfgang Puck Automatic Rapid Pressure Cooker is not the first such appliance reported to explode and cause severe burn/scald injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL has been linked to dozens of reports of the following types of injuries and damages:
- Severe burns to the arms, legs, face, and other parts of the body
- Scars and disfigurement
- Damage to kitchen walls, cabinets, and floors
Class Action Filed Over Burn Injuries Alleged From Tristar Power Pressure Cooker
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 [3]. 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.
Power Pressure Cooker Settlement
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 now and contact our law firm immediately.
The settlement does not provide compensation for your injuries, and if you fail to opt out by June 4, 2018, you may lose your eligibility to pursue compensation-seeking damages. Contact our lawyers now to learn more.
CPSC Pressure Cooker Burn Injury Statistics
The incidents reported by consumers on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s SaferProducts.gov website [4] highlight ongoing safety concerns with pressure cookers, even those not under recall.
Some of these reports include:
- A 46-year-old woman suffered second-degree burns when her Fagor “Elite” pressure cooker, pressurized for just seven minutes, unexpectedly "flew off the stove" and spilled its contents on her through the vent valve.
- Hospitalization was required for a 56-year-old woman who attempted twice, unsuccessfully, to release pressure from her Power Pressure Cooker XL by turning the vent valve. After a second failed attempt, she resorted to opening the lid, causing the contents to burst out.
- A 61-year-old woman sustained second-degree burns to her scalp, face, shoulder, and back when the contents of her Elite 13 Function 8 Quart Pressure Cooker exploded while she was adding ingredients after releasing pressure. Despite closing the lid and resuming pressure cooking, she noticed a change in the cooker's sound before the accident occurred as she leaned over to inspect it.
- A 34-year-old woman and her 23-month-old son faced second-degree and third-degree burns when the lid of her Tristar Products pressure cooker unexpectedly detached as she tried to open it, causing the still-pressurized contents to spill out.
FAQs
Can I sue if a family member died from injuries related to a Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker explosion?
Yes, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member. This can help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and provide compensation for your loss.
How can I find a lawyer specializing in Wolfgang Puck pressure cooker lawsuits?
Search online directories, ask for referrals, or contact legal associations for recommendations on specialized attorneys. Choosing an experienced lawyer is crucial for your case.
What are the chances of winning a Wolfgang Puck 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.
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See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in pressure cooker lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new burn and scald injury cases in all 50 states.
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.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/Wolfgang-Puck-Pressure-Cooker-Lawsuit-Tate-1.pdf
- https://wolfgangpuck.com/retail/
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/Tristar-Power-Pressure-Cooker-XL-Lawsuit-in-Texas.pdf
- https://www.saferproducts.gov/
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