Pressure Cooker Explosion? Get the Settlement You Deserve: New Lawsuits & Verdicts

Are you a victim of a pressure cooker explosion? You may be entitled to significant compensation. Recent lawsuits and verdicts highlight the dangers of defective pressure cookers, with victims receiving substantial settlements for their injuries. If you’ve been burned or injured due to a pressure cooker malfunction, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

The Rising Tide of Pressure Cooker Lawsuits

Pressure cookers have surged in popularity, promising quick and convenient meal preparation. However, this convenience has come at a cost. An increasing number of consumers are reporting severe injuries from pressure cooker explosions, leading to a surge in product liability lawsuits. These lawsuits allege that despite marketed safety features, many pressure cookers are prone to explosions due to design flaws and manufacturing defects.

Did you know? Over 1,000 pressure cooker-related injuries are reported annually in the United States.

Why Are Pressure Cookers Exploding?

Pressure cookers work by creating a high-pressure environment to cook food faster. This very pressure, if not properly controlled, can lead to dangerous explosions. Common causes of pressure cooker explosions include:

Defective Design: Flaws in the design of the pressure cooker, such as inadequate sealing gaskets or locking mechanisms, can lead to pressure buildup and explosions.
Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing errors can cause safety mechanisms to fail, even when the user follows all instructions.
Overpressure Events: If the pressure inside the cooker exceeds its design limits, it can result in an unintended and forceful release of pressure, causing burns and other injuries.
Improper Sealing or Venting: About 40% of pressure cooker injuries are caused by improper sealing or venting.
Damaged or Blocked Pressure Release Valve: The risk of explosion significantly increases when the pressure release valve is damaged or blocked.

Common Injuries from Pressure Cooker Explosions

Pressure cooker explosions can cause a range of severe injuries, including:

Burns: The most common injury, ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns, often requiring extensive medical treatment and skin grafts.
Lacerations: Flying debris from an exploding pressure cooker can cause cuts and lacerations.
Eye Injuries: Hot food or liquid ejected from the pressure cooker can cause severe eye injuries, potentially leading to vision loss.
Traumatic Brain Injury: In severe cases, the force of the explosion can cause head trauma and brain injury.
Emotional Trauma: The shock and pain of a pressure cooker explosion can lead to significant emotional distress and psychological trauma.

Recent Verdicts and Settlements: What You Need to Know

Recent legal cases demonstrate the potential for substantial compensation in pressure cooker explosion lawsuits.

Colorado Woman Awarded \$55.5 Million (Reduced to \$9.1 Million): In December 2024, a Colorado jury awarded a woman \$55.5 million after she suffered severe burns from an exploding Sunbeam pressure cooker. While a judge later reduced the award to \$9.1 million due to state statutory caps, the case highlights the potential for significant compensation. The jury found Sunbeam and its parent company, Newell Brands, liable for the injuries.
\$27 Million Settlement for Toddler: A \$27 million settlement was awarded to a toddler who suffered severe burns over 60% of her body due to a pressure cooker explosion.
\$6 Million Settlement for Burn Injuries: In 2020, a Pennsylvania woman reached a \$6 million settlement with a pressure cooker manufacturer after sustaining severe burn injuries when the cooker’s lid opened unexpectedly.
\$2 Million Settlement for Third-Degree Burns: A New Jersey woman received a \$2 million settlement in 2018 after a pressure cooker exploded, leaving her with third-degree burns.
\$9 Million Award Granted to Pressure Cooker Burn Victim: An Indiana woman secured a \$9 million jury award following devastating burn injuries she suffered due to a pressure cooker explosion.

These cases underscore the willingness of courts to hold manufacturers accountable for defective pressure cookers that cause harm.

Which Brands Are Involved in Lawsuits?

Several pressure cooker brands have been named in lawsuits, including:

Instant Pot
Crock-Pot
Ninja Foodi
Tristar Power Cooker XL
Sunbeam
Maxi-Matic
Bella
Fagor

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the damaged pressure cooker, and the surrounding area. Save all medical records and receipts.
Preserve the Evidence: Keep the pressure cooker and any related materials (manual, packaging) as evidence.
Contact a Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawyer: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Legal Options: How to Get the Settlement You Deserve

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

Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your home or personal property.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the manufacturer for their negligence.

Why You Need a Specialized Attorney

Pressure cooker explosion cases are complex and require a deep understanding of product liability law. An experienced attorney can:

Investigate the Accident: Determine the cause of the explosion and identify all liable parties.
Gather Evidence: Collect and preserve evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle communications with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Maximize Your Compensation: Work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t Wait: Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pressure cooker explosion, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our experienced product liability attorneys today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.