Crock-Pot Pressure Cooker Recall: Understanding Your Rights in a Defective Appliance Burn Injury Lawsuit

Imagine preparing a simple meal, only to be suddenly engulfed in scalding hot food and liquids due to a defective appliance. This nightmare became a reality for nearly 100 people who suffered burn injuries because of a faulty lid design in Crock-Pot’s 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers. In November 2020, Sunbeam Products recalled approximately 943,000 of these cookers after numerous reports of incidents where the lid detached during use, leading to severe burns. If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar incident, understanding your rights is crucial.

The Crock-Pot Recall: What Happened?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Sunbeam Products issued a recall for specific Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers in November 2020. The reason? The multi-cooker could pressurize when the lid wasn’t fully locked, causing it to detach unexpectedly while in use. This posed a significant burn risk to consumers from the hot contents ejected from the product.

Specifically, the recall involved Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers, Model Number SCCPPC600-V1, manufactured between July 1, 2017, and October 1, 2018. The date codes for the recalled models are K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN, found on one of the prongs of the electrical plug and on the bottom of the base. These cookers were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, as well as other stores nationwide, between July 2017 and November 2020, retailing from $70 to $100.

Sunbeam Products received 119 reports of lid detachment, resulting in 99 burn injuries ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns. The defect occurs when the pressure build-up inside the product causes the hot contents to “burst and erupt” from the product when the consumer opens the lid.

Do You Qualify for a Crock-Pot Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?

If you own or used a Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker (Model Number SCCPPC600-V1) purchased between July 2017 and November 2020, and experienced an incident where the lid detached while contents were still pressurized, resulting in burns or other injuries, you may qualify for a lawsuit. To qualify, you must have also received medical treatment for your injuries and followed the product instructions without misusing the appliance.

Understanding Your Rights in a Defective Appliance Burn Injury Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker, you have legal options. You may be able to file a product liability claim against Sunbeam Products, the manufacturer, to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Makes an Appliance Defective?

Appliances can be defective in several ways, leading to burn injuries:

Design Defects: The appliance is inherently dangerous due to poor design, even if manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing Defects: Issues during the manufacturing process make a well-designed appliance dangerous.
Marketing Defects: The appliance lacks adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards.

Legal Theories for Recovery

In a product liability case, you can pursue compensation based on several legal theories, including:

Negligence: This involves proving that the manufacturer or distributor failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or marketing the product.
Strict Liability: In many states, including Washington, manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products, even if they weren’t negligent. This means you don’t have to prove negligence on their part. The presumption is that they did something wrong based on the existence of the defective product.
Breach of Warranty: This involves proving that the product failed to meet the standards promised by the manufacturer, either through an express warranty or an implied warranty.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Scarring or disfigurement
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured

If you’ve been injured by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get prompt medical treatment for your burns and other injuries.
Preserve the Evidence: Keep the defective pressure cooker, including all parts and packaging. Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and lost income.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a product liability attorney experienced in handling defective appliance cases.

Recent Lawsuits and Settlements

Several lawsuits have been filed against Sunbeam Products and Newell Brands over injuries caused by defective Crock-Pot pressure cookers.

In one case, a Colorado woman was awarded over $55 million by a jury after suffering severe burns when her Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker exploded. Although the award was later reduced to $9.1 million due to state statutory caps on noneconomic damages, it highlights the potential for significant compensation in these cases.
In September 2025, Sunbeam Products and Newell Brands reached a settlement with a Michigan woman who was burned by a Crock-Pot Oval Multi-Function Pressure Cooker. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it indicates a willingness by the company to resolve these cases out of court.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating a defective appliance burn injury lawsuit can be complex and challenging. An experienced attorney can help you:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Determine the responsible parties
Negotiate with insurance companies
File a lawsuit and represent you in court

What to do After an Injury

Take Photos: Take photographs of your injuries, the pressure cooker (top, bottom, sides, digits on the metal part of the plug, and the model number plate), and any property damage.
Seek Medical Attention: Document your injuries and seek treatment.
Contact an Attorney: Do not speak with Sunbeam or return the product to the store without legal advice.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker, understanding your rights is the first step toward seeking justice and compensation for your losses. Contacting a qualified attorney can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal process and pursue your claim effectively. Don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.