Yes, if you have been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Product liability laws generally allow consumers to seek compensation when a defective product causes harm, and pressure cookers are no exception.
These laws cover issues like faulty design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings, which can lead to dangerous explosions and injuries such as burns.
To determine if you have a pressure cooker explosion case, consider the following:
- Injury and Defect: Did the explosion cause injury, and was it due to a defect in the pressure cooker?
- Documentation: Have you sought medical attention and documented the incident, including photos and medical records?
- Legal Help: Consulting a product liability attorney can help evaluate your claim and guide you through the process.
If you have been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, contact our firm online or give us a call at (866) 837-1010 to schedule a free consultation.
Pressure Cooker Product Liability Explained
Product liability is a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for injuries caused by defective products.
It encompasses three main types of defects, each relevant to pressure cooker explosions:
- Design Defects: These are inherent flaws in the product’s design, making it unsafe even if manufactured correctly. For pressure cookers, this might include a faulty pressure release mechanism that fails under normal use.
- Manufacturing Defects: These occur during production, affecting specific units. An example could be a batch of pressure cookers with improperly assembled lids, leading to explosions.
- Failure to Warn: This involves inadequate instructions or warnings about potential risks. If a pressure cooker lacks clear guidance on safe usage, manufacturers may be liable for resulting injuries.
These principles form the basis for pressure cooker explosion lawsuits, allowing injured parties to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Recent Pressure Cooker Recalls, Settlements, and Verdicts
Recent years have seen significant recalls and lawsuits related to pressure cooker explosions, underscoring manufacturer accountability.
A notable example is the May 2025 recall by SharkNinja, which involved approximately 1.8 million Ninja Foodi multi-function pressure cookers due to a burn hazard. The recall was prompted by 106 reports of burn injuries, including over 50 cases of second- or third-degree burns to the face or body, with 26 lawsuits filed.
Additionally, high-profile settlements and verdicts illustrate the potential for substantial compensation. On December 17, 2024, a Colorado federal jury awarded $55.5 million to a Denver woman injured in a June 3, 2019, explosion of a Sunbeam pressure cooker. The breakdown included $3.5 million for pain and suffering, $2 million for physical impairment, and $50 million in punitive damages, with 63% attributed to Newell Brands and 27% to Sunbeam. The jury found the manufacturer made misleading safety claims, with 119 reported lid-detachment incidents causing 99 burns, leading to a 2020 recall.
Other settlements include a $27 million award for a toddler severely burned by a Vasconia Pressure Cooker explosion in 2015, covering medical expenses and prosthetics, and an undisclosed settlement for Bridget Iovino, who suffered third-degree burns from a Maxi-Matic Pressure Cooker in 2015. These cases highlight the range of outcomes based on injury severity.
Steps to Take if Injured by a Pressure Cooker Explosion
If you have been injured by a pressure cooker explosion, taking immediate and informed steps is crucial to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Prompt medical care is essential not only for treatment but also for documenting injuries, which is vital for legal claims. Ensure all medical records and receipts are preserved.
- Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the pressure cooker, and the accident scene. Note the date, time, and circumstances of the explosion, as this evidence can support your case.
- Preserve the Pressure Cooker: Do not repair, modify, or dispose of the pressure cooker, as it may be needed as evidence. Contacting a lawyer early can help ensure proper preservation.
- Contact a Product Liability Attorney: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, advise on legal rights, and guide you through the process. Many firms, such as those mentioned in legal resources, offer free consultations to discuss potential claims.
How Much Is a Pressure Cooker Explosion Case Worth?
The potential compensation in pressure cooker lawsuits varies based on injury severity and location.
Below is a general estimate of settlement amounts based on the type of injury. Again, many factors are involved in each case so take this estimate with a grain of salt.
| Injury Type | Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| First-Degree Burns | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Second-Degree Burns | $125,000 – $200,000 |
| Third-Degree Burns | $600,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Facial Burns with Disfigurement | Higher, often exceeding $2M |
These ranges reflect the severity of burns, with higher payouts for cases involving permanent disfigurement or extensive medical care, as seen in the $55.5 million and $27 million cases above.
Contact A Pressure Cooker Explosion Attorney Near Me
Pressure cooker explosions can result in devastating injuries, but victims have legal recourse under product liability laws.
The evidence from recent recalls and settlements, such as the SharkNinja recall and the Colorado jury verdict, demonstrates that manufacturers can be held accountable for defective products.
If you have been harmed, taking prompt action by seeking medical attention, documenting the incident, and consulting a lawyer can help secure the compensation you deserve.
At Fob James Law Firm, we specialize in product liability cases, including those involving defective pressure cookers. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options, ensuring you are fully informed and supported throughout the process.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.