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. The attorney faces challenges in cases involving both stovetop and electric pressure cookers due to the occasional opening of lids while still under pressure, deviating from established industry standards and design norms. Under regulations like those outlined by Underwriters Laboratories, pressure cooker lids are expected to remain unopenable if pressure is present, featuring a locking mechanism for prevention.
This occurrence stems from manufacturing or design flaws, or at times, consumers mistakenly assuming the dissipation of pressure, leading to the inadvertent opening of lids. The consequence of even a minimal amount of pressure causes lids to abruptly blow off, releasing superheated contents at temperatures surpassing boiling water.
Instances include lids becoming lodged in kitchen ceilings or clients recounting experiences where lids ejected contents across their kitchens. Unfortunately, resultant injuries commonly involve scalding on body parts like the torso, face, or arms.
Handling such cases presents a challenge, as consumers, primarily focused on their immediate injuries, often neglect the preservation of crucial evidence. There is a crucial need to educate consumers about documenting the incident scene and retaining all evidence when dealing with product-related accidents like those involving pressure cookers. This involves capturing images and ensuring the preservation of all pertinent information.
