A Louisiana woman recently filed a new pressure cooker lawsuit against Aldi, Inc., which manufactures the Ambiano 9-in-1 programmable pressure cooker. She claims that after using the cooker, she suffered serious injuries. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Plaintiff Claims Pressure Cooker Safety Features Are Defective
According to her complaint, the plaintiff was using her pressure cooker on February 21, 2023, when the lid “suddenly and unexpectedly” exploded off the pot during its normal use. The scalding hot contents spewed out onto the plaintiff and her partner, resulting in significant and painful bodily injuries.
The plaintiff claims the incident occurred “as a result of the failure of the pressure cooker’s supposed ‘safety’ features which purport to keep the consumer safe while using the pressure cooker.”
In the owner’s manual which accompanied the cooker, Aldi, Inc. touts the safety of its cookers, stating they are equipped with safety devices such as a float valve, pressure regulator, and lid position sensor.
According to the plaintiff, these features didn’t work as expected, as the cooker failed to prevent the lid from being removed with normal force while the unit remained pressurized. The plaintiff claims that Aldi’s representations about safety are not just misleading, but flatly wrong, and put consumers in harm’s way.
Dangers Associated with Defective Pressure Cookers
Many families like cooking with pressure cookers because they can make meals in less time than with conventional cooking methods. Unfortunately, these devices can be dangerous when they are defectively designed, particularly if their safety features malfunction.
Pressure Buildup
If the pressure relief valve is jammed, for instance, or fails to open, pressure can build to dangerous levels inside the pot. This can cause the cooker to explode, leading to severe burns and injuries.
Similarly, if the vent pipe is obstructed by food debris or a malfunction, steam can’t escape, which again can lead to increased pressure.
Material and Construction Flaws
Cookers made from substandard materials may fail under pressure. A poorly constructed lid or body, for example, can crack or break, resulting in an explosion. If the sealing ring is defective or worn out, steam may escape, affecting the cooker’s ability to maintain safe pressure levels.
Some Companies Recalled Their Pressure Cookers Due to Burn Hazards
Hundreds of consumers have reported injuries from exploding pressure cookers, often resulting in devastating injuries and property damage. These incidents typically occur when the safety mechanisms fail, leaving users unaware of the dangers until it’s too late.
Some companies have recalled pressure cookers because of reports of explosions:
- Insignia Recall: On October 23, 2023, Best Buy recalled about 930,000 Insignia pressure cookers because the cooker had incorrect volume markings on the inner pot that could increase the risk of a burn hazard.
- Sensio Recall: On August 10, 2023, Sensio recalled about 860,000 Bella, Bella Pro, Cooks, and Crux electric and stovetop pressure cookers because the lid could unlock and be removed during use, creating a burn hazard.
Despite numerous recalls like these and lawsuits being filed, consumers continue to get hurt by pressure cookers. Be cautious when researching your purchase and always ensure your cooker is clean and has a good seal before using it.
Exclusively focused on representing plaintiffs, especially in mass tort litigation, Eric Chaffin prides himself on providing unsurpassed professional legal services in pursuit of the specific goals of his clients and their families. Both his work and his cases have been featured in the national press, including on ABC’s Good Morning America.
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