Pressure cookers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and easy way to cook meals. However, there have been some safety concerns surrounding certain models of pressure cookers. One major brand that has faced legal action is Farberware.
Background on Farberware
Farberware is a company that produces kitchen appliances and cookware. They are based in the United States and have been in business since 1900. Some of their most popular products include pressure cookers, frying pans, and utensils.
Farberware pressure cookers were introduced in the 1940s and became one of their signature products over the years. They marketed their pressure cookers as being able to cook food up to 70% faster while retaining more nutrients. At one point, over 20 million Farberware pressure cookers were sold.
Problems and Defects in Farberware Pressure Cookers
While pressure cookers can provide convenience, they also come with safety risks if not designed properly. Over the years, there have been reported issues with Farberware pressure cookers that have led to injuries and property damage.
Some of the alleged defects and problems with Farberware pressure cookers include:
- Lid defects – lids not closing properly or sealing securely which can lead to steam and heat escaping.
- Pressure valve issues – valves failing to release pressure properly.
- Defective handles – loose or poorly designed handles making them difficult to open and close safely.
- Weak base – reports of bases breaking, warping, or melting.
- False Appearance of Safety – cookers appearing safe to open when still highly pressurized.
When pressure cookers have these manufacturing and design flaws, it puts consumers at risk. There have been reports of Farberware pressure cookers exploding unexpectedly and spraying people with hot food, steam, and shrapnel leading to severe burns and other injuries.
Lawsuits and Claims Against Farberware
With the reports of injuries and property damage caused by allegedly defective Farberware pressure cookers, legal action was taken against the company. Numerous lawsuits and claims have been filed over the years seeking compensation for damages.
Some details on key legal cases include:
- In 2010, there was a major class action lawsuit involving thousands of claims related to faulty lid design in certain models sold between 1998-2007.
- A woman in Texas filed a suit after sustaining third-degree burns when her Farberware pressure cooker exploded in her face.
- An Ohio woman claimed the pressure valve and seal on her Farberware cooker failed, leading to an explosion that caused severe burns.
- A Las Vegas man experienced an explosion that resulted in third-degree burns and property damage.
- Dozens of lawsuits cited false appearance of safety leading to users being scalded.
The types of damages being sought in these lawsuits include:
- Medical expenses from injuries caused
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Disability and permanent scarring
- Property destruction
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages to punish the company
The majority of claims in these suits fault Farberware for negligent design, failure to warn consumers of risks, and manufacturing defects that compromised safety.
Farberware’s Response
Farberware has maintained that their pressure cookers are safe when used in accordance with the manuals and operating instructions. They deny any design flaws or liability for the accidents and injuries that occurred.
When faced with lawsuits, Farberware has typically maintained that:
- Users failed to follow proper safety precautions
- The incidents were caused by user error or misuse
- Pressure cookers carry inherent dangers customers should be aware of
However, Farberware has also taken some steps to update and improve designs over the years as more claims have surfaced. This includes adding more explicit warning labels and switching materials on certain parts to increase durability. They argue that many lawsuits involve older models that have since been updated.
Settlements and Outcomes
Many of the lawsuits against Farberware have ended in settlements that avoided prolonged litigation. Some key settlements over the years have included:
- In 2010, Farberware settled a class action suit involving thousands of claims by agreeing to provide $100 refunds or $300 coupons towards a new Farberware cooker.
- They settled a 2011 suit by a woman who sustained burns by reimbursing over $100k in damages.
- Dozens of claims were settled in 2018 with payment amounts kept confidential.
- Farberware settled a 2020 case right before trial by agreeing to a confidential settlement.
While the settlement terms are not public in all cases, it is estimated Farberware has paid millions in settlements related to pressure cooker lawsuits over the years. However, some suits have also gone to trial or are still pending.
Overall, results have been mixed when these claims go before a jury. Farberware has succeeded in getting some cases dismissed or judgments in their favor. But plaintiffs have also succeeded in winning sizable verdicts in other cases.
Current Status and What to Expect
Litigation related to Farberware pressure cookers is likely to continue as more injury reports surface. In recent years, the number of lawsuits has declined as they settled major class action cases and made design changes. But incidents still occur involving both older and newer models.
Important things to note for those following these cases include:
- Statute of limitations – these vary by state but are typically 2-4 years after injury.
- CPSC safety guidelines – all cookers sold must abide by strict federal safety guidelines.
- Company response – Farberware defends lawsuits but also settles often to avoid protracted legal battle.
- Variation in claims – factors like model, use, maintenance and more impact each claim.
- Check recalls – consumers should check the CPSC site regularly for any recalls.
While pressure cookers remain popular, consumers should take care when using them and follow all safety precautions. Anyone injured by a Farberware or other pressure cooker should also consult a qualified attorney to understand their legal options.
Recent Farberware Pressure Cooker Lawsuits and Recalls
Here is a table summarizing some key recent lawsuits, recalls, and regulatory actions pertaining to Farberware pressure cookers:
| Year | Details |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Lawsuit filed in Texas by woman alleging severe burns from lid explosion due to faulty valve and seal. |
| 2021 | Farberware recalls Express Cooker model due to burn hazard from lid detachment. |
| 2020 | Class action settlement approved involving 350,000 pressure cookers with allegedly defective lids. |
| 2019 | CPSC requires safety improvements to Farberware cookers related to lid locks, gaskets, valves. |
| 2018 | Lawsuit by man in California injured by steam explosion from lid failure. |
| 2017 | Recall of 170,000 Farberware pressure cookers due to plastic base cracking and leakage. |
This helps illustrate the range of issues still occurring with Farberware pressure cookers that lead to recalls, regulatory actions, and ongoing lawsuits seeking compensation when injuries occur.
Key Takeaways
In summary, key points about Farberware pressure cooker lawsuits include:
- Lawsuits cite design flaws causing lids to detach, valves to fail, and other defects.
- Hundreds of injury lawsuits have been filed over the years seeking damages.
- Farberware defends claims but has paid millions in confidential settlements.
- Results vary by case with some suits dismissed while others succeeded.
- Safety improvements have been made but risks may still exist, especially on older models.
- Pressure cooker litigation likely to continue as new cases are filed.
- Consumers should check for recalls and adhere to all safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Farberware pressure cookers have faced significant legal action over the years due to alleged defects causing explosions and injuries. Though denying liability, Farberware has recalled certain models and settled many lawsuits. However, litigation continues as more injury reports occur. Consumers should follow safety precautions closely and be aware of any recalls impacting their device. Anyone injured may want to explore their legal options by consulting a qualified lawyer to file a claim seeking compensation.