Pressure cookers make preparing meals much more convenient. Many home cooks use them daily. However, pressure cookers can be dangerous. If they malfunction and explode, the results can be catastrophic.
It is helpful to know what to do if your pressure cooker explodes or malfunctions in a manner that causes injury.
If an exploding pressure cooker has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Consult an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney right away to determine whether you have a valid claim and to protect your rights.
What Causes Pressure Cooker Explosions?
Pressure cookers can explode, malfunction, and cause injury for multiple reasons, including:
- Manufacturing defects. If the pressure cooker is not assembled correctly or if substandard materials were used in its construction, the item can weaken and become more likely to explode or cause harm when in use.
- Failure to adequately warn consumers. When a manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions on the safe use of a pressure cooker, injuries are significantly more likely.
- Faulty safety features. Pressure cookers may have faulty locks or release valves that lead to explosions.
- Faulty seals and gaskets. If the gasket or seal fails, the pressure cooker may explode when in use.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Pressure Cooker Explosions
If a pressure cooker explodes, it can result in severe injuries. Some common injuries caused by malfunctioning pressure cookers include:
- Severe burns and complications from burns.
- Lacerations caused by exploding pieces of the product.
- Hearing loss may occur due to the loud explosion.
- Eye damage can occur from flying debris.
- Disfigurement may happen from severe burns or from being struck by pieces of the pressure cooker.
What Should I Do If My Pressure Cooker Explodes?
If an exploding pressure cooker injures you, you should seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think your injuries are severe, you should be evaluated since some injuries are not immediately apparent.
Then, you should document the accident scene. Take photographs or video of the area where the explosion or malfunction happened and any visible injuries. If you have them, gather any documents related to your appliance, such as the user manual and warranties. You should also preserve all evidence and do not attempt to repair the appliance.
Next, report the malfunction to the pressure cooker manufacturer.
Finally, consult an experienced product lawyer in Chicago to determine whether you have a valid claim and what steps to take next.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
There have been hundreds of lawsuits against pressure cooker manufacturers in recent years. Many manufacturers have recalled defective products as a result of these lawsuits. Some examples of larger pressure cooker recalls include the 2015 Breville pressure cooker, the 2020 Crock-Pot cooker, and the 2023 recall of the Best Buy and Insignia pressure cookers.
Compensation in Pressure Cooker Lawsuits
In a successful pressure cooker injury claim, you may be able to recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages.
At Meyers & Flowers, our product liability lawyers work diligently to recover all available damages and to maximize your compensation.
Contact an Experienced Products Liability Lawyer Today
If your pressure cooker exploded or malfunctioned and caused you injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The experienced products liability lawyers at Meyers & Flowers can help you recover maximum compensation.
Call (630) 394-5189 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation.