A kitchen staple since the post-World War II era, pressure cookers have long since been a cooking appliance that sparks as much controversy as it does praise. While pressure cookers are loved by many for their ability to cook food quickly and ease of use, they can be very dangerous and cause serious injuries if they malfunction or unexpectedly explode.
A pressure cooker is a device that cooks food under high pressure. A pressure cooker is airtight and sealed, which allows for the steam inside as the contents heat to increase the pressure inside the device. The steam pressure inside the cooker helps cook food inside very quickly. While traditional pressure cookers were stovetop cookers that used the heat of the stove to heat the contents, there are now electric pressure cookers that plug into the wall and use electricity to generate the heat inside the device.
Pressure cookers have become safer over time. The greatest danger with pressure cookers is the risk of explosion, which can happen most often in one of two scenarios. First, if too much pressure builds up inside the cooker, and second, if the cooker’s lid can open while there is still pressure inside the device.
Old stovetop pressure cookers, in the beginning, had a single safety device to avoid too much pressure from building up. That safety mechanism was a single-weighted pressure regulators, which was prone to becoming clogged. If the regulator became clogged, pressure may increase to a level where the cooker might explode. Modern pressure cookers address that problem by adding pressure release valves, and other mechanisms to release pressure when the steam pressure is getting too high. Modern pressure cookers, including both stovetop and electric cookers, have pressure regulators, pressure release valves, mechanisms to try and avoid clogging of these valves and regulators, and locks to keep the lids from opening.
However, while modern pressure cookers have far more safety mechanisms, pressure cookers continue to present danger from explosion or malfunction. Pressure cookers should never explode, and they should never be able to be opened while under pressure. Yet, pressure cooker explosions happen. When a cooker explodes, it is often due to mistakes made by the manufacturers. If you were injured because of a pressure cooker exploding, it may be the result of faulty manufacturing or design, and you may be able to pursue compensation by filing a product liability claim.
Hersh Kirtman Injury Law is a personal injury law firm providing legal assistance to clients injured due to pressure cooker explosions. Our team of legal professionals has a proven track record for success and will provide you with the experienced legal representation you deserve.
When Is a Pressure Cooker Explosion Considered Product Liability?
Pressure cookers can, and at times do, explode, causing serious injuries that may leave victims with injuries and a long road to recovery. While many kitchen appliances can lead to damaging accidents, pressure cookers are uniquely dangerous because of the steam pressure inside and the extreme heat created as a result. While some pressure cooker explosions result from user error or mistakes, there are many cases where the explosion was due to a defect or error in the manufacturing or design of the cooker. In these cases where a pressure cooker exploded due to faulty manufacturing or design, the victim has the right to pursue legal action against the manufacturer by filing a product liability claim.
A pressure cooker explosion incident may be the result of product liability when the following factors are present in a case:
- Defective design of the product
- Cut-rate components
- Inadequate product testing before the pressure cooker is made available to consumers
- Faulty manufacturing
For example, you may have a claim if a defective pressure release valve or a faulty gasket allowed the cooker to open while its contents were still under pressure. Pressure cookers can have internal temperatures 40 degrees hotter than the boiling point of water when they are being used. As a result, when they explode, their contents can cause severe burns and scalds to individuals standing nearby.
Because pressure cookers should never open while there is still pressure inside, if you experienced a pressure cooker explosion, it is important to speak to a legal professional who handles pressure cooker explosions so that we can determine if the explosion was the result of product liability. If you have been harmed due to a pressure cooker explosion that is caused by a manufacturer error, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses by filing a product liability claim.
What Damages Can You Collect After a Pressure Cooker Product Liability Accident?
Victims of pressure cooker explosions deserve justice for their injuries and losses. The damages you may be eligible to collect when filing a pressure cooker product liability claim include the following, among other things:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
To get help understanding what damages you may be eligible for and how much your claim may be worth, contact a trusted lawyer as soon as possible.
Get Help From a Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawyer Today
If you have suffered harm due to a pressure cooker explosion and believe your accident occurred due to faulty manufacturing, you may be owed compensation for your losses. To get help with your product liability claim, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, our team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to providing clients with the legal representation they need to file a strong product liability claim after a pressure cooker explosion leaves them with injuries. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced lawyers, contact us today by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at (561) 208-3700.
