Pressure cookers are considered safe when used correctly. However, if they bypass property safety testing or are not tested for structural weaknesses, they can explode or cause a fire.
The most common pressure cooker injuries are second-degree burns, leading to more severe injuries like infection, amputation, permanent scarring, and disfigurement.
Besides causing physical injuries, an unsafe pressure cooker can explode and cause damage to your ceiling, stovetop, and other kitchen accessories. If a pressure cooker injured you or a loved one, you could pursue compensation for your injuries or property damage.
How does a Pressure Cooker Work?
Pressure cookers trap steam and increase the temperature of boiling water inside the pot. As a result, the food cooking inside needs enough boiling liquid to provide adequate steam pressure.
The trapped steam increases the pressure within the pot by 15 pounds per square inch (psi). This helps increase the water’s boiling point by nearly 40 degrees, from 212 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your home’s elevation.
The elevated temperature speeds up the pressure cooker’s cooking time. When your pressure cooker achieves full pressure, the lid’s release valve opens to release the excess steam. Because the pot releases steam in a controlled fashion, its high temperatures can remain at a consistent level.
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The Dangers of a Pressure Cooker
Even though your pressure cooker’s steam is required for faster cooking times, it can be dangerous.
Everyday things that can go wrong with a pressure cooker include:
- Insufficient venting or ineffective safety valve: When your pressure cooker isn’t able to vent properly, excess pressure can build, leading to an explosion.
- Inadequate lid seals: You can experience hot water or food content spillage if your lid seals are insufficient.
- Faulty gasket: If a pressure cooker has a defective gasket, it can allow the pot to open prematurely, causing contact and scalding hot steam burns.
- Faulty lock: If your pressure cooker lock is defective, it can burst apart, causing damage, injuries, or death to anyone nearby.
- Damaged lid: The pressure cooker lid is considered one of its most crucial components. If it’s damaged, steam or hot water can spill out and cause injury.
- Failed automatic shut-off temperature controls: When your pressure cooker reaches the pre-programmed temperature, its power should automatically shut off to stop pressure from continuing to build. A built-in fuse is supposed to prevent extreme temperatures from being reached; however, a malfunction can cause the pot to overheat, leading to injuries and property damage.
If you’ve experienced any of these hot pot issues, talk to our experienced team of personal injury attorneys today.
Injuries Caused by Pressure Cookers
With modern technology, a contemporary pressure cooker design, and built-in safety features, your appliance should never malfunction with pressurized contents inside. Yet, manufacturing defects can make electric pressure cookers unsafe, resulting in severe bodily injury, including:
- Eye injuries and blindness
- Painful blisters
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- First-, second-, or third-degree burns
- Loss of skin sensitivity
- Infection
- Amputations
- Discolored skin patches or permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries or you had a loved one die because of an unsafe pressure cooker, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
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You Should Be Compensated If You Were Injured by a Pressure Cooker
When a hot pot pressure cooker causes injury or damage to you, your family, or your property, you are legally entitled to pursue compensation from the negligent parties.
To prove your claim in court, you will need to verify your injuries were not caused by user error but that the product malfunctioned or was defective. You can do this in several ways. For example, if you prove the seller or manufacturer was negligent in designing, developing, or manufacturing the device, you may win your case.
To reasonably pursue damages, you must prove that you were injured and that the pressure cooker caused the injuries you suffered. This can often be accomplished if:
Your Pressure Cooker Was Manufactured With a Defect
If a portion of the manufacturing process leads to the pressure cooking device deviating from the intended design, it can cause a manufacturing defect. You will need to show that the manufacturing process failed, leading to your injuries.
You may prove this if the investigation shows they used ineffective quality control on the production line or substandard materials to build your hot pot.
For instance, if your hot pot had a faulty steam release valve, a broken lock, or a malfunctioning digital controller installed, you will likely be able to prove your claim if your lawyer can prove it.
Your Cooker Has a Faulty or Defective Design
A manufacturer’s stovetop pressure cookers, electric pressure cookers, or standard pressure cookers should be flawlessly designed and work perfectly. If they were designed with a defect, you might be able to prove the manufacturer was liable for your injuries.
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Entering Into a Class Action Lawsuit
There is a strong possibility that you are not the only person that has suffered from a pressure cooker injury, loss, or damage.
If a specific brand manufactures and releases a pressure cooker that causes injuries, you could potentially pursue a class-action lawsuit against that company. In addition, when you work with one of our personal injury attorneys, we’ll help you connect with other wounded individuals in your area.
You can then choose a principal plaintiff and file your losses collectively with a county clerk. Filing a class action lawsuit can be complicated. However, our team of skilled lawyers will help you navigate the process while helping you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Alternatively, you may pursue damages in an individual pressure cooker explosion lawsuit.
Were You Injured by an Unsafe Pressure Cooker? Call Our Law Offices for a Free Consultation
Modern pressure cookers are typically considered safe if the manufacturer has correctly marketed and sold its product. However, if a manufacturing company fails to communicate known product risks and a consumer is injured, they can be held liable for damages for their defective product.
Instant Pot, fa*gor America, Maxi-Matic, Tristar Power, Wolfgang Puck, and Tabletops Unlimited are some manufacturers that have had recalled products due to pressure cooker defects. The Zanes Law product liability lawyers are here to help you pursue damages for your pressure cooker injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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