Pressure cooker explosions can be terrifying and dangerous. These incidents can result in severe injuries and significant property damage. What are the common causes of pressure cooker explosions in Florida?
Common causes of these accidents include defective components, such as faulty pressure release valves or malfunctioning seals, which can lead to sudden and excessive pressure buildup inside the cooker.
If you were injured while using a defective pressure cooker, aFort Myers pressure cooker lawyer can help you file for compensation. At Viles & Beckman, we have over 40 years of legal experience advocating for the rights of injured Florida victims. Call us today to discuss the details of your case.
What Are the Main Causes of Pressure Cooker Explosions?
Electric pressure cookers may explode for many reasons. Generally, design or manufacturing defects cause them to malfunction during the cooking process, often spraying hot food and shrapnel around the kitchen without warning.
Some of the most common causes of these explosions include:
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Overheating
Overheating can cause your pressure cooker to explode if you’re not careful. Overheating occurs when the pressure cooker is left unattended for too long or when the heat source is too high. Safety mechanisms should prevent this issue, but they may malfunction.
The pressure inside the cooker builds up rapidly, exceeding the safety limit. The sudden release of this excessive pressure can result in an explosion, sending hot steam and food flying in all directions.
Not only can this cause severe burns and injuries, but it can also damage your kitchen. To prevent overheating, always monitor the heat level, use the recommended cooking times, and never leave your pressure cooker unattended.
Faulty Pressure Release Valves
A pressure release valve is a critical component that regulates and releases excess pressure accumulating during cooking. However, if the valve malfunctions, it can fail to release the built-up pressure effectively.
As a result, the pressure inside the cooker can rise to dangerous levels, exceeding its structural limits and overwhelming safety features and potentially leading to an explosion.
A product liability lawyer in Fort Myers can determine if faulty safety valves caused your electric pressure cooker to explode.
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Defective Gaskets
The gasket is a flexible, usually rubber or silicone ring that forms a tight seal between the lid and the main body of the pressure cooker. This seal is essential for creating airtight conditions inside the cooker, allowing pressure to build up as the contents heat up.
To prevent improper sealing in your pressure cooker, check the rubber gasket for any signs of wear or damage. When using a pressure cooker, you rely on a tight seal to create the necessary pressure for cooking.
If the rubber gasket is worn or damaged, it can lead to a faulty seal, which may result in dangerous situations like explosions. Common reasons why a defective gasket can lead to pressure cooker explosions include:
- Loss of seal: A worn or damaged gasket may fail to create a proper seal between the lid and the pot, causing pressure to escape and increasing the risk of an explosion.
- Pressure buildup: A faulty gasket can prevent the pressure from building up inside the cooker, causing it to release steam and pressure unexpectedly.
- Uneven heating: An old or worn gasket can cause uneven heat distribution in the pressure cooker, leading to hot spots and increasing the chances of an accident.
- Delayed pressure release: If the gasket is not working correctly, it may delay the release of pressure even after the cooking is complete, creating a dangerous situation where the pressure releases suddenly.
If you were injured while using a pressure cooker, aFort Myers personal injury lawyer will help you determine the cause of the accident and seek compensation.
Regularly inspecting the rubber gasket ensures it is in good condition and free from any cracks or tears. If you notice any wear or damage, replace the gasket immediately to maintain a proper seal, avoiding an explosion that can spray you with the cooker’s hot contents.
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Excessive Pressure Buildup
Check if your cooker has excessive pressure buildup by examining the gauge and listening for unusual hissing or steam release sounds. These are vital signs to watch out for, as excessive pressure buildup can lead to accidents.
When the pressure gauge shows abnormally high pressure, or you hear hissing or steam release sounds that are out of the ordinary, take immediate action. Turn off the heat source and carefully release the pressure using the proper method recommended by the manufacturer.
If you sustained injuries due to excessive pressure buildup, a product liability attorney will help you file alawsuit against the at-fault party. We can help you seek funds to cover your medical bills and other expenses.
Improper Lid Seals or Locks
The lid seal should keep the hot contents of the modern pressure cookers safely contained. Unfortunately, the pressure cooker lid could seal or lock improperly, resulting in an explosion that could easily result in first-, second-, or third-degree burns.
Improper Ventilation
Issues with improper ventilation can prevent steam from safely escaping your appliance, resulting in pressure cooker injuries that require immediate medical treatment. Excess steam could be released all at once, sometimes blowing the lip off, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Fault Wiring
Sometimes, a design defect results in faulty wiring in a pressure cooker. Faulty wiring can cause the machine to malfunction or lead to a fire and burn injuries. We can help you seek compensation in this situation.
Digital Indication Malfunctions
Finally, your kitchen appliance may have a digital indication malfunction that provides you with incorrect information about the status of the pressure cooker. You may open the defective pressure cooker under the impression that it’s safe because of incorrect digital information.
Product Liability Lawyers Can Determine the Cause of Your Pressure Cooker Explosion
What are the common causes of pressure cooker explosions? Fault safety mechanisms and mistakes in manufacturing can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
Fortunately, if a defective pressure cooker injures you, a product liability attorney will investigate the accident to identify the liable party. By determining the accident’s cause, they can build an evidence-based case to establish liability.
At Viles & Beckman, we provide personalized legal representation to injured victims. Our team will guide you through the claim process and help you secure the maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
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