Crock-Pot Express Dangers: New Lawsuits Filed Over Severe Burn Injuries

Have you or a loved one suffered severe burns due to a defective Crock-Pot Express? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Pressure cookers have become a staple in modern kitchens, promising quick and convenient meal preparation. However, the convenience of these appliances can come at a steep price. Recent reports and lawsuits highlight the dangers associated with the Crock-Pot Express, particularly the risk of severe burn injuries due to lid detachment and explosions.

The Rising Tide of Crock-Pot Express Lawsuits

Across the United States, numerous individuals have filed lawsuits against Sunbeam Products, the manufacturer of Crock-Pot Express, alleging that design defects in the pressure cookers have led to horrific burn injuries. These lawsuits claim that the lids of the Crock-Pot Express can detach while the contents are still under pressure, causing scalding hot food and liquids to be ejected, resulting in first to third-degree burns.

In one high-profile case, a federal jury in Colorado initially awarded a woman $55.5 million after she suffered severe burns when her Sunbeam Crock-Pot Express exploded. While a judge later reduced the award to $9.1 million due to state statutory caps on noneconomic damages, the case underscores the severity of the injuries and the potential liability of the manufacturers.

What’s Causing These Injuries?

The core issue lies in the design of certain Crock-Pot Express models, specifically the 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker (Model Number SCCPPC600-V1). These models, sold between July 2017 and November 2020, have been found to pressurize even when the lid is not fully locked. This defect can cause the lid to detach unexpectedly during use, posing a significant burn risk to consumers.

In November 2020, Sunbeam Products recalled approximately 943,000 Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cookers after receiving 119 reports of lid detachment incidents, which resulted in at least 99 burn injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also issued a recall for these multi-cookers, emphasizing the potential for the appliance to pressurize with an unlocked lid, leading to sudden detachment and serious burns.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

If you’ve been injured by a defective Crock-Pot Express, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Product liability laws hold manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by their defective products. In Crock-Pot Express cases, lawsuits typically allege:

Design Defect: The pressure cooker’s design was inherently flawed, making it prone to lid detachment and explosions.
Manufacturing Defect: The pressure cooker was not manufactured according to the design specifications, resulting in a dangerous product.
Failure to Warn: The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential dangers of using the pressure cooker.

To pursue a successful product liability claim, you must demonstrate that the defect in the Crock-Pot Express directly caused your injuries. This often involves gathering evidence such as:

Medical records documenting the extent and severity of your burns.
Photos or videos of the damaged pressure cooker and the scene of the incident.
The pressure cooker itself (if possible).
Receipts or other proof of purchase.
Witness statements from anyone who saw the incident.

Compensation for Burn Injuries

Victims of Crock-Pot Express explosions may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income due to time off work for medical treatment and recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injuries.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the manufacturer for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Settlement amounts in pressure cooker lawsuits can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries. Settlements for second-degree burns typically range from \$125,000 to \$200,000, while settlements for third-degree burns can range from \$600,000 to \$2,000,000. Cases involving permanent disfigurement or other severe damages may result in even higher settlement amounts.

Pressure Cooker Safety Tips

While pursuing legal action can help you recover compensation for your injuries, it’s equally important to take steps to prevent future accidents. Here are some pressure cooker safety tips to keep in mind:

Read the Manual: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model.
Check the Seals: Before each use, inspect the rubber gaskets, valves, and seals to ensure they are in good working order and free of debris.
Proper Filling: Do not overfill the pressure cooker. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fill levels, especially for foods that expand during cooking.
Secure the Lid: Ensure the lid is properly locked before heating.
Vent Valve: Check that the pressure cooker vent valve is clean and unobstructed.
Release Pressure Safely: Use the appropriate method for releasing pressure (natural release, quick release, or cold water release) as recommended by the manufacturer.
Never Force the Lid: Never attempt to force open the lid while the pressure cooker is still under pressure.
Supervision: Always supervise the pressure cooker during use and keep children away from the cooking area.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured by a Crock-Pot Express or any other pressure cooker, take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical treatment for your burns or other injuries.
Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the damaged pressure cooker, and the scene of the incident. Keep records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Preserve the Evidence: If possible, save the pressure cooker and any packaging or instructions that came with it.
Contact a Lawyer: Consult with an experienced product liability attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

Conclusion

The dangers associated with defective pressure cookers like the Crock-Pot Express are real and can have devastating consequences. If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to a faulty pressure cooker, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim against the responsible parties.