Pressure Cooker Burns? How to Claim Compensation for Explosion Injuries

Pressure cookers have become a kitchen staple, promising quick and efficient meal preparation. However, a seemingly convenient appliance can turn hazardous in the blink of an eye. Defective pressure cookers cause severe burn injuries, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships for victims. In 2024, a Colorado jury awarded a Denver woman $55.5 million after her Sunbeam pressure cooker exploded, causing second and third-degree burns to 13% of her body, highlighting the potential severity and legal ramifications of such incidents. If you’ve sustained injuries from a pressure cooker explosion, understanding your legal rights and how to claim compensation is crucial.

The Dangers of Exploding Pressure Cookers

Pressure cookers work by creating a sealed environment that traps steam, increasing the internal pressure and cooking food faster. While modern pressure cookers have safety mechanisms, defects can lead to dangerous explosions. When these safety features fail, the consequences can be devastating.

Common Injuries from Pressure Cooker Explosions

Burns: These range from first-degree burns affecting the outer skin layer to severe third-degree burns that penetrate deep tissue, often requiring skin grafts. Scalding from hot food and liquids is a primary cause.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Explosions can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, leading to long-term physical and emotional distress.
Eye Injuries: Flying debris and hot steam can cause severe eye injuries, potentially leading to vision impairment.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: In some cases, the force of the explosion can cause head trauma and brain injuries.

What Causes Pressure Cooker Explosions?

Several factors can contribute to pressure cooker explosions, most stemming from defects in design or manufacturing.

Defective Lid Seals: The lid must form a secure seal to contain the high pressure. Manufacturing flaws like improper alignment or weakened materials can compromise this seal, leading to an explosion.
Faulty Pressure Release Valves: These valves regulate pressure by releasing excess steam. If they malfunction, pressure can build to dangerous levels, exceeding the cooker’s structural limits.
Defective Gaskets: The rubber gasket creates an airtight seal. A worn or damaged gasket can fail to maintain pressure, causing the cooker to malfunction and explode.
Improper Venting: Inadequate venting can cause a pressure cooker to explode.
Defective Lid Lock: If the lock of a pressure cooker doesn’t work properly, a user may have to open the device before it’s finished venting, which can expel extremely hot food, leading to burns.
Overfilling: Overfilling the pressure cooker can cause food to block the vents, leading to a dangerous pressure buildup.

Establishing Legal Grounds for Compensation

If you’ve been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit. Generally, your attorney will need to show that the product was defective and that you suffered a documented severe injury that was caused by the defective pressure cooker.

Product Liability Claims

These claims arise when a defective product causes harm. In pressure cooker cases, liability can be based on:

Defective Design: The pressure cooker’s design is inherently dangerous.
Manufacturing Defect: Something went wrong during the production process, making the cooker unsafe.
Failure to Warn: The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with the product.

Negligence

If the manufacturer or another party failed to exercise reasonable care in the design, manufacture, or marketing of the pressure cooker, they could be held liable for negligence.

Steps to Take After a Pressure Cooker Explosion

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Preserve the Evidence: Keep the pressure cooker and all its parts. Do not throw it away. It may serve as evidence.
Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident. Document your injuries, medical treatment, and related expenses.
Avoid Speaking to the Manufacturer: Refrain from communicating with the manufacturer or their representatives without consulting an attorney.
Consult an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer: A lawyer specializing in product liability can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If your pressure cooker explosion lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation covers past and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work to recover from your injuries, plus future lost earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries.
Emotional Distress: Pressure cooker malfunctions can result in catastrophic injuries, including psychological trauma.
Property Damage: Replacing destroyed personal property, including kitchen renovations if necessary.

The Role of a Product Liability Lawyer

A skilled product liability lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. They can:

Investigate the Accident: Determine the cause of the explosion and identify all liable parties.
Gather Evidence: Collect and preserve crucial evidence, including the defective pressure cooker, medical records, and expert testimony.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Pressure Cooker Recalls and Lawsuits

Several pressure cooker brands have faced recalls and lawsuits due to safety defects. Some notable cases include:

Instant Pot: Instant Pot products are involved in multiple pressure cooker burn lawsuits.
Crock-Pot: Motley Rice attorneys are actively litigating multiple lawsuits against Sunbeam and Newell for their exploding pressure cookers.
Tristar: A woman from Nebraska sued Tristar Products in 2023, alleging that a defective pressure cooker sprayed hot liquid onto her arms, chest and face, causing third-degree burns.
SharkNinja: Motley Rice represents clients injured by exploding SharkNinja pressure cookers. The CPSC recall notice states that approximately 26 lawsuits have been filed as of May 1, 2025.
Best Buy: Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Best Buy over Insignia pressure cooker explosions, including a lawsuit filed by a Motley Rice attorney on behalf of a man and his child injured by an exploding Insignia pressure cooker.

These cases highlight the widespread nature of the problem and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence.

Safety Tips to Prevent Pressure Cooker Explosions

While using a pressure cooker always carries some risk, following these safety tips can minimize the likelihood of an accident:

Read the Manual: Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect the Cooker: Before each use, check the gasket, pressure release valve, and other components for damage.
Don’t Overfill: Never fill the cooker beyond the maximum fill line.
Use Enough Liquid: Ensure you use enough liquid to create steam.
Release Pressure Safely: Use the recommended pressure release method and never force the lid open.
Keep Vents Clear: Regularly clean the vents to prevent blockages.
Replace Parts: Replace worn or damaged parts, such as the gasket, promptly.

Do You Have a Claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a product liability lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Time is of the essence, as there are statutes of limitations that may impact your ability to file a claim.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.