By Patrick Nolen on September 11, 2024
With the back-to-school season in full swing, many parents are relying on quick, efficient, and healthy dinner solutions for busy weeknights. In recent years, pressure cookers have surged in popularity for their ability to cook nutritious, one-pot meals in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. But, did you know this convenience comes with inherent risks? Over the past three years, Cory Watson Attorneys has seen a concerning rise in pressure cooker injuries, to the point the firm is currently handling 45 active cases involving injured consumers.
We recently sat down with Taylor Pruett, an associate attorney with our product liability group, to discuss the connection between pressure cooker injuries and the back-to-school season. “It’s really a busy time…navigating work and school, getting your family where they need to be, and then getting them home,” Taylor explains. “At the end of the day, you likely don’t have a lot of time. You want to feed your family; you want to feed them something healthy; and you want to feed them something that’s not going to take a ton of time to prepare.”
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Understanding the Risks
So, while many household products are designed to make consumers’ busy lives easier, defective appliances can pose serious risks and cause potential injuries. Defective pressure cookers can be particularly dangerous, as some models allow consumers to open the lid while the cooker is still under pressure, despite manufacturers stating lids should not be able to open while the unit is pressurized. If the pressure cooker is opened prematurely, the contents of the unit may explode, potentially causing injuries to the user’s chest, face, neck, or arms.
Safer Alternatives and Best Practices
For those seeking convenient meal prep without the heightened risks associated with pressure cookers, Taylor recommends using a slow-cooker appliance. “While slow cookers take longer to cook and require electricity, they don’t use pressure, making them a safer and easy-to-use alternative,” she notes.
Taylor’s advice for this back-to-school and any busy season:
- Remember, injuries resulting from defective products can happen to anyone, no matter the safety precautions taken.
- Use caution and conduct thorough research before purchasing any household appliance.
- Read appliance reviews, check for recalls, and register products to receive updates on recalls or suggested fixes.
Legal Support for Defective Product Injuries
If you’ve been harmed due to a defective product, including pressure cookers or other appliances, it’s crucial to consult an experienced product liability attorney to assess the specific damages applicable to your case and navigate any legal process effectively. Our legal team is ready to help you get the financial compensation you deserve after a defective product injury. Call now at 877-562-0000 or complete our online contact form for a free initial consultation.