If you have bought into the pressure cooking craze in recent years, you may have been excited to pressure cook foods. Unfortunately, many people who use these pressure cookers experience injuries from their use. This guide will provide some information to individuals who want to learn what to do when they face injuries caused by these pressure cookers.
How Do Pressure Cookers Lead to Injuries?
Pressure cooker injuries can occur for a number of reasons. One common reason for injuries occurs when the lid is not sealed properly. The pot should not begin building pressure until the lid is locked on, but a defective product could lead to injuries caused by pressure building when the lid is not sealed.
In rare cases, pressure cookers have exploded open when people have tried to take the lid off. Such an explosion can lead to foods spraying out onto people who are nearby. The burns that result can range from first to third-degree burns. A blocked vent can also lead to severe injuries with an explosion.
Ultimately, pressure cookers can have defects in design that can lead to the device malfunctioning. Design defects mean the product can cause injury even without the victim of the incident doing something wrong.
Are Pressure Cooker Injuries Preventable?
While injuries linked to product defects are not preventable by the consumer, you can take several steps to prevent the likelihood of injuries. For example, don’t overfill the pot of the pressure cooker. Additionally, ensure that you always have liquid inside the pot. You may need to add more liquid to the pot than you think to keep the device safe for use.
You can also prevent burns from a pressure cooker by allowing the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure by turning off the device. Then, wait for pressure to subside before turning the vent to release steam.
Those who use pressure cookers also advise that you avoid using lots of fats and thickening agents in your foods before pressure cooking. Pressure cook first, and then add thickeners afterward.
What Types of Pressure Cooking Injuries Occur?
Burns are among the most common pressure cooking injuries to erupt. Typically, burns occur when scalding liquids and foods spray out of the container. Naturally, burns are at the least painful and can be disfiguring when severe. When it comes to pressure cooker accidents, burn injuries are especially common on the upper body.
Furthermore, pressure cooker accidents can lead to electrical burns, although these are less common. These types of burns can vary in severity, with some causing intense repercussions.
Regardless of the type of burn you experience, you could face disfigurement and scarring. For one child injured by a pressure cooker, the injuries were so bad that doctors had to amputate the child’s leg.
Other types of injuries include issues affecting the eyes, cuts to the face, shocks, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Of course, an explosion of hot food can also lead to damage to your personal property, including your countertops, appliances, and walls.
What Can You Do About A Pressure Cooking Injury?
After you seek medical treatment, your next step after a pressure cooking injury should be to speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney can help you determine the cause of the accident and determine how much your injuries may be worth in court.
If you have injuries caused by a device malfunction or product design defect, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of a product to compensate for your medical bills, lost wages, and other long-term issues.
Galligan Law is a personal injury law firm. Our expert personal injury attorneys can help you do the right things to win compensation. If you have questions about pursuing a personal injury case because of a defective or faulty product, call us today to learn how we can help you. You may have a strong case.