Pressure Cooker Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Over Burns Suffered by Child

Lawsuit indicates Crock-Pot pressure cooker exploded without warning, covering a young child in scalding hot liquids that caused disfiguring burns.

The makers of Crock Pot pressure cookers have reached a settlement to resolve a product liability lawsuit filed by the mother of a child who was doused with scalding liquid and suffered severe burns after one of the appliances exploded unexpectedly.

The original complaint (PDF) was filed by Lacey Hall of Michigan, naming Sunbeam Products Inc. and Newell Brands Inc. as the defendants. It accused the companies of producing and distributing a defective appliance prone to explosions.

The lawsuit indicates Hall was using the Crock-Pot Express Multicooker as directed while preparing food in October 2019 when it suddenly exploded, ejecting scalding liquid and steam onto her daughter, Blayke Hall, causing severe facial burns that left the child permanently disfigured.

About one year after the incident, Sunbeam recalled the Crock-Pot Express Multicooker after warning that the lid could suddenly detach while the appliance was in use, posing a serious burn hazard.

Hall’s case went to trial, along with two other individuals with similar claims, in late May in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and was still underway when the settlement was announced. However, there are no reports that pressure cooker settlements have been reached to resolve claims brought by the other two plaintiffs involved in the trial, Malcolm Fuller and Ashley Boladeres.

Pressure Cooker Explosion Risks

Hall’s claim is one of a growing number of pressure cooker injury lawsuits filed in recent years against the makers of Crock-Pots and other popular devices. Many of these complaints allege the appliances exploded unexpectedly or allowed the lid to be opened while the contents remained pressurized, releasing scalding food and liquid that caused severe burn injuries.

In addition to Crock-Pot pressure cookers, the litigation has involved numerous other major brands, including Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi and others. Across the filings, plaintiffs generally allege manufacturers failed to incorporate adequate safety features and falsely assured consumers the appliances could not be opened while dangerous pressure remained inside.

Pressure Cooker Injury Settlement

Hall filed an unopposed motion (PDF) on August 4, seeking approval for the pressure cooker settlement with Sunbeam and Newell Brands, which would resolve her and her daughter’s part in the litigation.

According to the proposed motion, the settlement details are currently being kept confidential, so the amount of payout and any other proposed stipulations are not available to the public.

On June 26, the court appointed Kenneth J. Bush as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), to ensure Blayke’s individual rights and interests are fully protected by the settlement agreement.

The motion indicates Bush independently reviewed the proposed settlement and the planned distribution of funds before concluding the agreement was fair and in the child’s best interests.

“The GAL has also reviewed materials pertaining to the claims made in this case, as well as the proposed settlement and the manner in which the settlement funds will be apportioned on behalf of the minor child. After conducting his evaluation, the GAL has determined that the confidential settlement and disbursement of settlement funds in this matter is fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the minor child, Blayke Hall.”

– Plaintiff’s Unopposed Motion to Approve Minor Child’s Confidential Settlement

The proposed agreement would resolve only Hall’s claims. Trial proceedings are expected to continue for the remaining plaintiffs, whose cases have not yet been settled.

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