Pressure Cooker Explosions: the Terrifying Dangers and How to Protect Yourself
Pressure cookers have become popular kitchen tools. They can cook food quickly using high heat and pressure. However, with this convenience comes with risk to its users, including pressure cooker explosions. Pressure cooker accidents like this – when a pressure cooker exploded – it may be no accident at all. If your pressure cooker exploded, it may be a product liability lawsuit. And a pressure cooker explosion can cause personal injuries and property damages that necessitate a top-notch law firm.
Recent pressure cooker accidents lawsuits highlight the potential dangers of pressure cooker malfunctions, particularly pressure cooker explosions that can cause severe injuries. This includes burn injuries when a pressure cooker exploded. A Tristar Products, Inc., lawsuit is on example.
A Pressure Cooker Explosion in Florida
As one example. Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court. They claim the pressure cooker Tristar Products, Inc. distributed caused “severe and permanent burns”. The Plaintiffs seek damages for their injuries after the pressure cooker exploded against the Florida-based company. They allege suffering severe burns from the pressure cooker explosion has caused mental anguish, permanent scarring, and diminished quality of life.
This peaks our interest because our product liability attorney Robert Price is licensed and lives in Florida. The claim is that this was no pressure cooker accident, it was a product failure. Our product liability attorneys have taken on pressure cooker accidents there, and across the U.S. If a pressure cooker exploded, our experienced team is ready to prove it was not a pressure cooker accident – it was negligence or product liability for which the company is responsible.
The Dangers of Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside. That increases the internal pressure and raises the boiling point of water. This allows food to cook faster than with traditional methods.
However, the high pressure and heat can be hazardous if the cooker malfunctions or is not made properly. This is why pressure cooker explosions are common. A design defect or failure to warn or instruct properly does not result in pressure cooker accidents – unforeseeable acts of God. If a pressure cooker exploded, it may be instead a product liability lawsuit.
Here are Some of the Common Risks Associated with Pressure Cookers
Explosions or Lid Malfunctions: When the pressure inside the cooker is not properly regulated, or if the safety mechanisms fail, the cooker can explode. The force of a pressure cooker explosion can propel hot food, steam, and metal parts, causing severe burns or injuries.
Steam Burns: The sudden release of steam when opening the pressure cooker lid too soon can result in scalding burns. Many incidents occur when the user tries to open the lid while there is still pressure inside. There are, however, other ways, defects at play when a pressure cooker exploded.
Seal or Valve Failure: If the pressure cooker’s seal is defective or damaged, it may not release steam properly. This can lead to dangerous pressure buildup inside, thus causing potential pressure cooker explosions. These are not likely properly referred to as pressure cooker accidents. If a pressure cooker exploded for this reason, it’s more likely actionable.
Incorrect Assembly: If the pressure cooker is not assembled correctly, pressure may escape unevenly. This can increasing the risk of a pressure cooker explosion. Pressure cooker accidents can arise because of poor instructions. If a pressure cooker exploded it may be the company’s responsibility for failing to provide proper instructions for use.
What Happens if a Pressure Cooker Explodes?
When a pressure cooker explodes, the aftermath can be catastrophic. When a pressure cooker exploded in one case, the Plaintiffs sustained severe burns. This caused permanent scarring and required medical treatment. Pressure cooker explosions can result in:
- Severe Burns: Hot liquid, steam, and food can cause second- and third-degree burns. This may require long-term medical care and result in permanent scarring.
- Lacerations and Injuries: Metal parts, including the lid or safety valve, may become projectiles during an explosion, causing cuts, bruises, or more serious injuries.
- Emotional Trauma: The trauma of being injured by an exploding pressure cooker can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and negatively affect a persons quality of life.
- Property Damage: Exploding pressure cookers can cause significant damage to your kitchen, appliances, and nearby items.
- Our personal injury lawyers are not just product liability attorneys. We also have burn injury lawyers; attorneys who represent people burned by a product or other cause. Such cases require specific expertise and experience, knowing the science and medicine regarding the injury and its long term impact.
NDTV’s Video Showing What Happens If a Pressure Cooker Explodes
What happens if a pressure cooker explodes? It is like a firework or bomb going off in some cases. It’s shocking and can result in serious burns or injuries from things flying around. Here is a video showing a pressure cooker explosion. Notice all the things flying when the pressure cooker exploded.
What Should You Do if You Experience a Pressure Cooker Explosion Failure?
If your pressure cooker malfunctions or explodes, the most important priority is your safety. Here are the immediate steps to take if your pressure cooker exploded:
Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone nearby is injured, seek medical help immediately. Burns from hot steam and liquid can be more severe than they appear at first. Follow doctors’ orders as best you can.
Preserve Evidence: If possible, keep the pressure cooker and all parts, including the lid, seal, and valve. These can be important if you need to pursue a claim or participate in a product recall.
Document all Pressure Cooker Accidents: Take photographs of any injuries, damage, and the cooker itself. Write down details of how the accident occurred and the steps you followed leading up to the malfunction. This documentation can be useful for legal or insurance purposes.
Report the Pressure Cooker Exploded Incident: Contact the manufacturer to report the malfunction. Some pressure cookers may be subject to recalls, or the company may offer a remedy for defective products. Be careful giving statements to the other side. Contact the U.S. Product Safety Commission. And of course, call us at 855-KBA-LAWS (522-5297).
How to Reduce the Risk of a Pressure Cooker Explosion
There are several steps consumers can take to minimize the risk of pressure cooker explosions or pressure cooker accidents:
Read the Manual: Every pressure cooker operates slightly differently, so it’s important to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware of how to properly assemble, disassemble, and clean the cooker.
Inspect Before Each Use: Check the rubber gasket, pressure release valve, and lid locking mechanism for any signs of wear or damage. Replace faulty parts immediately.
Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling the cooker can block the pressure release valve, increasing the risk of an explosion. Most pressure cookers have a max fill line – never exceed it.
Allow Time to Release Pressure: After cooking, make sure the cooker has properly vented all steam before attempting to open the lid. Many accidents happen when users try to open the cooker too soon.
Use Safety Features: Modern pressure cookers often come with safety features like automatic pressure release or locking lids that won’t open until the pressure is fully released. Always make sure these features are functioning correctly.
What to Do if You’re Injured by a Pressure Cooker – Are there Pressure Cooker Accidents?
If you’ve been injured due to a defective or malfunctioning pressure cooker, you may be entitled to compensation. Pressure cooker lawsuits often allege that the manufacturer was negligent in the design or production of the product, leading to the injuries. Not all pressure cooker accidents are accidents; if a pressure cooker exploded, it may be a product defect.
In the one case we discussed here, the Plaintiffs allege the pressure cooker they were using was defective, leading to severe injuries. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consulting with an attorney experienced in product liability cases and burn injuries can help you determine if you have a valid claim. Fortunately, we’re both product liability lawyers and burn injury lawyers. We help with other claims too if a pressure cooker exploded.
KBA Attorneys Can Help Investigate Pressure Cooker Accidents
If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective pressure cooker, contact us. Our law firm has experienced attorneys litigating product liability cases. We can offer a free consultation to further explore your specific case.