Burg Simpson Awarded $55.5 Million Verdict For Client Injured By Defective Multicooker

Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C. recently secured a record-setting $55.5 million verdict on behalf of Georgina Perez. Ms. Perez suffered second and third-degree burns over 13% of her body when her pressure cooker—manufactured by Sunbeam Products, Inc. and Newell Brands, Inc.—exploded.

The First Amended Complaint filed by Burg Simpson on behalf of Ms. Perez detailed numerous allegations against Sunbeam and Newell, including:

• Design Defect. The lid-lock mechanism allowed the multi-cooker to pressurize even when improperly sealed.
• Failure to Warn. Although the product manual claimed the lid would not open during pressurization, the complaint alleges this statement was false.
• Negligence and Breach of Warranty. The complaint argues the defendants neglected to ensure the multi-cooker was safe for consumer use, violating both express and implied warranties.
• Consumer Protection Act and Fraud. The complaint asserts that Sunbeam and Newell were aware of at least 100 similar incidents, yet continued to market the product without adequate warnings or recalls.

Over the course of a five-day trial, attorneys Michael Burg, Holly Kammerer, Shane Fulton, and Hannah Huston were able to show that the defendants were aware of the dangerous defects for more than 2.5 years before the injury occurred. The jury found the defendants failed to take meaningful steps to warn or protect their customers, even when they knew about this danger.

The $55.5 Million Verdict

The $55.5 million verdict in this case included:

• $3,500,000 for pain and suffering
• $2,000,000 for disfigurement
• $35,000,000 in punitive damages against Newell
• $15,000,000 in punitive damages against Sunbeam

In appointing fault, the jury assigned 63% to Newell, 27% to Sunbeam, and 10% to Ms. Perez.

The Jury found both Sunbeam and Newell acted with reckless disregard for consumer safety. Due to this, they imposed punitive damages on both manufacturers for their egregious conduct. This extremely rare award serves as a stark reminder to companies that place profit over consumer safety can and will be held accountable for their actions.

Attention Attorneys: We Welcome Referrals

Have you encountered a client with a potential pressure cooker product liability claim? We invite you to refer them to Burg Simpson. Our recent $55.5 million verdict for Ms. Perez was secured by award-winning attorneys with the resources and willingness to take these claims to trial. We are always honored to step in and assist with these claims.

In the case, our thorough investigation, expert testimony, and aggressive courtroom advocacy resulted in punitive damages against these corporations in addition to the damages awarded to Ms. Perez for her burn injuries. We bring this same level of tenacity and dedication to every case referred to us.

Burg Simpson has decades of experience and a nationwide reach, equipping us to handle high-stakes litigation throughout the country. We are committed to collaborative relationships with referring attorneys and are prepared to take on even the most formidable defendants to secure justice for mutual clients. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Attention Consumers: Check Your Pressure Cooker

In recent years, several pressure cooker and multi-cooker brands have come under fire for alleged defects. While far from an exhaustive list, brands linked to recalls, litigation, and known consumer complaints include:

• Crock-Pot/Sunbeam
• Instant Pot
• SharkNinja
• Bella
• GoWise USA
• Farberware
• Cuisinart

To be safe, before you use your pressure cooker, multi-cooker, or slow cooker again, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall page to make sure your appliance has not been recalled.

Have You Been Injured By a Pressure Cooker? Talk to Us for FREE

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed by a defective multi-cooker, pressure cooker, or another kitchen appliance, Burg Simpson is here to help. With more than four decades of experience, we know how to identify negligence, hold the liable parties accountable, and help individuals and families secure the full compensation they deserve.

Call Burg Simpson at 888-895-2080 to schedule your free and confidential pressure cooker injury consultation. A national law firm with dozens of award-winning attorneys, we maintain offices in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Nevada, and Wyoming. We accept new clients and attorney referrals for product liability claims throughout the country.