December 19, 2018 — The family of a 2-year-old girl who was severely injured by an exploding pressure cooker has been awarded a $27 million settlement from the manufacturer.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Samantha Gonzalez, a girl who was being bathed in the sink by her grandmother when a Vasconia® 8-quart pressure cooker exploded nearby.
She suffered 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns over 60% of her body and was hospitalized for months. While in the hospital, she developed a fungal infection, sepsis, and doctors were forced to amputate all of her fingers, one of her legs, and her hip.
Her family filed a lawsuit against the pressure cooker manufacturer, Lifestyle Brands, accusing the company of selling a defective product.
Lawyers investigated the accident and concluded that the lid of the pressure cooker must have opened while it was still under pressure. T
They purchased several older models of Vasconia pressure cookers and determined that the pressure cookers had the wrong size internal lock-bar. That meant the lock on the lid did not work, and the lid could twist off and open when the cooker was still dangerously pressurized.
The lawyers determined that Lifestyle Brands sold the defective pressure cookers for 3 years before quietly fixing the problem, but without issuing a recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission was not notified of the changes until July 2018.
The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida — Case No. 16-016685 — In RE: S. E.G. minor by and through her parents v. Lifetime Brands Inc..
Need a Pressure Cooker Injury Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.