Severe Burns Caused by Pressure Cooker Explosions

Burns are the most common injury caused by a defective pressure cooker.

Pressure cookers are made to withstand temperatures beyond the boiling point, often reaching up to 266 °F (130 °C).

Because of this scalding hot temperature, a pressure cooker explosion can cause severe burn injuries.

Pressure cooker burns can range from first-degree to third-degree, depending on the extent of contact with the hot liquid or steam.

If you or a loved one have suffered severe burn injuries from a faulty or defective pressure cooker, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a pressure cooker lawsuit.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree or superficial burns are the lightest and least severe burns.

Superficial burns only affect the outer layer of skin and are characterized by redness, pain, and slight swelling.

First-degree burns usually heal within a week or two without any scarring.

Superficial burns are often sustained from short exposure to hot liquids or steam, which a pressure cooker explosion can cause.

A first-degree burn doesn’t need an intensive treatment plan and can be treated at home with basic first aid.

Applying a cool compress or running the burn under cool water can help ease the pain and promote healing.

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree or superficial partial-thickness burn penetrates deeper than a first-degree burn.

This burn category affects the upper two layers of skin, causing redness, blisters, and intense pain.

Partial-thickness burns can leave long-term or permanent scars and lead to infection if not treated properly.

Pressure cooker explosions often cause partial-thickness burns due to prolonged exposure to high heat.

These types of burns require prompt medical attention, as they may need specialized treatment such as a burn cream or antibiotics to prevent infection.

The average healing time of a partial-thickness burn is around two to three weeks.

Third-Degree Burns

The most severe type of burn is a third-degree or full-thickness burn, which affects all layers of skin and can even reach deep into the tissue.

Unlike superficial and partial-thickness burns, full-thickness burns are characterized by dry, white, or blackened skin with a leathery texture.

These burns often require surgery and can result in permanent scarring.

Violent pressure cooker explosions can cause third-degree burns if an individual comes into direct contact with the hot liquid or steam.

These burns are excruciating and can lead to long-term medical complications, such as nerve damage or loss of mobility in the affected area.

Several health institutes and agencies include a fourth category of burns called fourth-degree burns, which includes burns that penetrate beyond the tissues and can affect muscles, tendons, and bones.

These burns could result in amputation or life-threatening infections and require immediate medical attention.

How Do Pressure Cooker Explosions Occur?

Pressure cookers explode for various reasons, such as a defective pressure release valve, not sealing the pressure cooker lid when in use, or an inherent design flaw.

Regardless of the cause, pressure cooker explosions can happen in seconds, leaving individuals with life-altering injuries.

Factors contributing to why a pressure cooker explodes include:

• Product malfunction
• Design flaws
• Improper use

Product Malfunction

One of the most common reasons electric pressure cookers explode is a malfunction in the product.

A pressure cooker explosion could occur due to a faulty pressure release valve, an inaccurate timer, or appliance overheating.

If these malfunctions go unnoticed or unaddressed, they can lead to excessive pressure buildup inside the cooker, causing it to explode.

Faulty wiring or defective electronic components can also cause electric pressure cookers to explode, causing severe electrical burns and injuries.

It’s essential to regularly check your pressure cooker for any signs of malfunction and replace it immediately if you notice any.

In one case, a Tristar Power pressure cooker exploded in a user’s face after the pot’s lid unlatched spontaneously.

In most modern pressure cookers, the lid is automatically locked and only unlocks when the pressure inside is minimal or completely gone.

This accident prompted the affected user to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for severe burn injuries.

Design Flaws

A design flaw is any error or mistake in the product’s design that makes it prone to malfunctions and hazards.

In pressure cookers, design flaws usually include faulty safety features, inadequate pressure release valves, and unstable handles.

A common issue with traditional pressure cookers is the lack of a visible pressure indicator.

The user must lift the pressure regulator and estimate the pressure level by assessing the steam.

If the pressure is too high and you open the lid forcefully, it can lead to a destructive explosion.

Manufacturers have introduced safety features with modern pressure cookers to prevent accidental burns and injuries, including pressure indicators, automatic locking systems, and improved pressure release valves.

However, design flaws can still cause these safety measures to fail and lead to a dangerous explosion.

Improper Use

Pressure cookers sometimes are not easy to use and require caution and proper handling.

Using a pressure cooker without studying the manual, not correctly sealing the lid, or overfilling the pot can cause it to explode with destructive force.

Some individuals also use damaged or worn-out pressure cookers, thinking they can still function safely.

However, even minor cracks or defects in a pressure cooker’s seal or other parts can lead to dangerous explosions.

It’s crucial to strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and use excessive caution when handling a pressure cooker.

Never try to force open the lid or remove it while there is still pressure inside, as this can result in severe burns or an explosion.

Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit Overview

A pressure cooker explosion lawsuit follows the same principles and methodology as other product liability cases.

Pressure cooker lawsuits involve holding the manufacturer or seller accountable for injuries their dangerous pressure cooker caused.

Individuals who have suffered burn injuries, scarring, or other complications due to a pressure cooker explosion may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and seek compensation.

In a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the pressure cooker was defective and caused their injuries.

In most cases, the plaintiff must also prove that they used the pressure cooker correctly and followed all safety precautions.

The manufacturer can only be held liable if there is evidence of a defect in the product’s design or manufacturing.

Grounds for filing a Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit include:

• Defective Design
• Manufacturing Errors
• Inadequate Safety Warnings

Defective Design

If a pressure cooker’s design is inherently flawed and poses a danger to users, the manufacturer can be held liable for resulting injuries.

A product liability lawyer can help determine whether a defect in design caused the accident.

Some of the most common design flaws in pressure cookers are:

• Inadequate pressure release valves
• Faulty gaskets
• Faulty safety features
• Unstable handles or lids
• A component preventing the seamless release of pressure

Proving a defective design can be challenging, as it involves showing that the product did not perform as safely as an ordinary consumer would expect.

Despite this challenge, an experienced attorney can gather the necessary evidence and build a solid case to hold the manufacturer accountable.

Manufacturing or Engineering Flaws

A manufacturing or engineering flaw is another common ground for a pressure cooker explosion lawsuit.

These defects occur during production and can affect only a small batch of products.

This defect is the most common cause of recalls, and if a recalled product has injured you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Some of the most common manufacturing defects in pressure cookers:

• A broken or faulty pressure release valve
• Defective wires or electronic components
• Improperly sealed lid
• Incorrect timer function that allows excessive pressure buildup

Backing up a case for an exploding pressure cooker due to a manufacturing defect requires detailed investigation and evidence.

The plaintiff must show that the specific pressure cooker they purchased had a defect that caused their injuries.

Inadequate Safety Warnings

Inadequate safety warnings or false advertising are common grounds for filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Some manufacturers intentionally cover up potential safety hazards to push their products into the market and increase sales.

However, if a consumer suffers injuries due to this misleading marketing tactic, they can hold the manufacturer liable for their damages.

For instance, if a pressure cooker’s manual fails to mention the risks of using damaged or worn-out parts and a user suffers injuries, the company may be held liable.

Another example is if the manufacturer fails to disclose potential issues in the cooking process or foods and products that shouldn’t be cooked in their pressure cooker.

These types of safety warnings are essential to prevent accidents — if they’re missing, the consumer may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit for a Defective Pressure Cooker

If your pressure cooker exploded and you sustained severe injuries from the incident, you may be eligible for compensation.

If you plan on filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller of your pressure cooker, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced product liability lawyer.

An experienced attorney can assess your case and help determine the best course of action.

Steps to take when filing a product liability lawsuit for a defective pressure cooker include:

• Seeking and Documenting Treatment and Medical Bills

Seeking and Documenting Treatment and Medical Bills

The first thing to prioritize after a disastrous accident is your safety.

Contact 911 right away and seek medical treatment for your injuries.

Burn injuries are severe and can have long-term effects, so make sure you receive proper medical care as soon as possible.

Documenting your injuries and medical treatment is crucial for a successful product liability lawsuit.

Keep all your records of hospital visits, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescribed medications, and any other related documents.

Take photos of your injuries, as visual evidence can serve as evidence in court — if you can’t, have someone document the accident scene and your injuries.

Photographic evidence is a strong way to support your case in court.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering as much tangible evidence as possible is necessary to prove your case.

If you still have the pressure cooker, keep it, and do not try to repair or dispose of it.

The destroyed pressure cooker can be essential evidence for the lawsuit.

Gather any receipts or proof of purchase showing you bought the product from a retailer or the manufacturer.

Keep all packaging materials, user manuals, and other related documents.

You may also need to gather information about the product’s safety history, recalls, and any reports of accidents or injuries related to that specific pressure cooker model.

Consulting With a Lawyer

It’s possible that you might not recover all the evidence you need to solidify your case.

The manufacturer’s legal team may try to get you to sign a waiver or offer a settlement before you have the chance to consult with an attorney.

Having a lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

An experienced product liability attorney will help gather all necessary evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the other party on your behalf.

Having a reliable product liability attorney ensures that you’re following the appropriate timeline for filing a lawsuit, as there are statutes of limitations for these types of cases.

Consulting with a lawyer early on can help you avoid missed deadlines and ensure your case is handled appropriately.

TorHoerman Law: Pressure Cooker Explosion Attorneys

Pressure cookers are a wonder of modern-day cooking, speeding up the process and making delicious meals efficiently.

However, when these kitchen appliances malfunction or have manufacturing defects, they can cause severe injuries and even death.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a pressure cooker explosion, our experienced product liability attorneys at TorHoerman Law are here to help.

Contact us now for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a pressure cooker explosion lawsuit.

We’re here to help you.