Products Liability Attorney in Denver, Colorado
What are the biggest challenges you face in exploding pressure cooker cases?
What are the biggest challenges you face in exploding pressure cooker cases?
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The issue with both stovetop and electric pressure cookers handled by the attorney is the occasional opening of the lids while they are still under pressure, contrary to industry standards and design principles. According to standards such as those set by Underwriters Laboratories, pressure cooker lids should not be openable if there is pressure inside, and there should be a locking mechanism preventing this.
Due to manufacturing or design defects, or sometimes due to consumers mistakenly believing the pressure has dissipated, the lids get turned and opened. If there is even a small amount of pressure inside, the lid can suddenly blow off, releasing superheated contents that are hotter than boiling water.
Instances have been observed where pressure cooker lids got stuck in kitchen ceilings or where clients described lids blowing off, spewing contents all over the kitchen. Unfortunately, the injuries most people suffer are scalding injuries on various parts of their bodies, such as the torso, face, or arms.
The challenge in handling such cases is that consumers, in their immediate concern for their injuries, often overlook preserving crucial evidence. There is a need to educate consumers about the importance of documenting the scene and preserving all evidence when any incident occurs with a product like a pressure cooker. This includes taking pictures and ensuring that all relevant information is retained.
Denver, CO personal injury lawyer George McLaughlin talks about the biggest challenges he faces in exploding pressure cooker cases. He shares that he has handled cases involving both stovetop and electric pressure cookers where the primary issue is the unintended opening of lids while the cookers remain under pressure, in direct violation of industry standards and established design principles. According to guidelines such as those issued by Underwriters Laboratories, pressure cooker lids are required to remain securely locked if pressure is present, with a mechanism specifically designed to prevent accidental opening.
In certain instances, whether due to manufacturing or design defects, or occasionally due to consumers mistakenly believing the pressure has dissipated, lids have been turned and opened while pressurized. Even a small amount of trapped pressure can cause the lid to release suddenly, ejecting superheated contents that exceed boiling temperature.
There have been documented cases in which pressure cooker lids became lodged in kitchen ceilings or where clients reported lids violently blowing off, dispersing hot contents throughout the kitchen. The resulting injuries are most commonly severe scalds affecting areas such as the torso, face, and arms.
A significant challenge in managing these cases is that consumers, understandably focused on their immediate injuries, frequently fail to preserve critical evidence. He emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about documenting the scene and maintaining all relevant evidence following any incident with a product like a pressure cooker. This includes taking photographs and retaining any items or information that may be necessary for a proper investigation or potential legal action.
