Pressure Cooker Explosions Blamed for Horrific Burns
Imagine being permanently disfigured by a common kitchen appliance as you try to make dinner. According to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there have been dozens of complaints about exploding pressure cookers that left victims with scar-producing second and third-degree burns. Beth Morales, a Miami resident, told CBS News about her horrific experience with a Tristar pressure cooker – one of the most popular models on the market.
She, like thousands of consumers before her, turned to her trusty pressure cooker to make a hearty stew, with the advantage of a much faster cooking time. Unfortunately, the lava-hot contents allegedly came spewing out after she released the steam valve, which should indicate the pot is safe to open. Morales suffered second-degree burns all over her hands, chest and arms and will likely have permanent scarring.
Severe injuries caused by exploding pressure cookers
If numerous reports of exploding Tristar pressure cookers have already been logged by safety officials, why hasn’t the appliance been pulled off the market?
The manufacturer of the Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL is already facing litigation filed by victims seeking fair compensation for their injuries . Plaintiffs argue that they used the pressure cooker as instructed but were still injured because of the product’s alleged defects. Some explosions allegedly occurred after the safety pressure release valve was opened, and others allegedly happened suddenly while the lid was still on.
How pressure cookers work
Pressure cookers like those made by Tristar are marketed as a convenient and quick way to cook healthy meals for the family. The appliance can cook food up to 70 percent faster than conventional methods because it traps pressure inside a sealed lid, that forces temperatures to a scalding 250 degrees.
Pressure cookers are equipped with multiple valves that release steam as pressure mounts around the lid. However, if the lid is not perfectly sealed, or the safety valve is defective, the pots can explode and spray boiling contents everywhere.
Both children and adults around the nation have suffered severe scalds, third-degree burns, skin discoloration and tissue damage from pressure cooker explosions.
Possible defects in product design and manufacture
Tristar pressure cookers are currently sold at major outlets including Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Consumers who purchased the product have made several complaints about the operations and design of the appliance. Some of these contentions may be leveled in Tristar power pressure cooker explosion lawsuits filed against the company, and others, including:
- Inadequate instructions
- Design defect – lid does not fully seal, allowing steam to escape
- Design defect- lid can suddenly pop off
- Manufacturing defect – pressure release valve gets stuck or moves out of place
- Manufacturing defect – safe lid lock is faulty
Burned by an exploding pressure cooker?
Consumers have a right to seek compensation when they are injured by a defective product. Chaffin Luhana provides compassionate advocacy for people who were burned or otherwise injured by an exploding pressure cooker.
Don’t delay in seeking legal representation as you may jeopardize your right receive compensation. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective Tristar pressure cooker, Contact Chaffin Luhana for a free consultation with a product liability lawyer today.
Additional Resources:
- CBS 4 Miami, Woman Warns Of Exploding Pressure Cooker After Suffering Severe Burns https://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/02/07/woman-warns-of-exploding-pressure-cooker-after-suffering-severe-burns/
- The Sun, Mum horrifically burned in pressure cooker explosion was holding 12-week-old son just moments before https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1365091/mum-horrifically-burned-in-pressure-cooker-explosion-was-holding-12-week-old-son-just-moments-before/