The nuwave pressure cooker lawsuit refers to a class action lawsuit that was filed against Tristar Products, Inc., the makers of the Nuwave pressure cooker, alleging that several models had defective lids that caused hot contents to be released and burn users. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 and a settlement was reached in 2021.
What models were included in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit covered several models of Nuwave pressure cookers including:
- Nuwave Nutri-Pot 6Q Digital Pressure Cooker
- Nuwave Nutri-Pot 10Q Digital Pressure Cooker
- Nuwave Nutri-Pot Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Nuwave Lux 6Q Digital Pressure Cooker
- Nuwave Brio 6Q Digital Pressure Cooker
- Nuwave Moxie Pressure Cooker
These models were sold between 2013 and 2017 in the United States. The lawsuit alleged that the lids on these models could pop open unexpectedly during use, causing hot contents to spill and burn users.
What did the lawsuit claim?
The lawsuit claimed that Nuwave pressure cookers had several defects including:
- Defective lid locking mechanisms that caused lids to unlock and open unexpectedly during normal use
- Inadequate venting systems that caused excessive pressure buildup
- Defective gaskets that leaked hot steam and contents
The lawsuit alleged that Nuwave was aware of these defects through customer complaints and testing but did not remedy the problems or warn consumers, putting customers at risk of severe burns and injuries.
What injuries were reported?
According to the lawsuit, numerous consumers reported suffering severe burns and other injuries when the Nuwave pressure cookers opened unexpectedly. The injuries included:
- Second and third degree burns to hands, arms, legs, and other body parts
- Burns to faces, necks, and chests
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Many victims required hospitalization for treatment and skin grafts. The lawsuit alleged that Nuwave received over 700 reports of lid detachment incidents prior to 2018 but did not issue recalls or provide adequate warnings about the dangers.
What compensation did the settlement provide?
A nationwide settlement was reached in the class action lawsuit in July 2021. The settlement provided the following compensation:
- $2,000,000 settlement fund
- Up to $225 cash payment for consumers who suffered burns or property damage from the pressure cookers
- Replacement lids with enhanced safety features
- Extended warranties on new replacement lids
Nuwave also agreed to make changes to their manufacturing and quality control processes to improve product safety going forward.
Who qualified to file a claim?
The following consumers qualified to file a claim in the settlement:
- U.S. residents who purchased the pressure cookers for household use
- Those who experienced property damage or personal injury from the pressure cookers
- Consumers who no longer possessed their cooker but experienced an incident
Proof of purchase or ownership was not required to file a claim. Class members had until October 29, 2021 to file. Those who already resolved claims directly with Nuwave were not eligible for additional compensation.
How could affected consumers file a claim?
Consumers could file a claim by:
- Submitting a claim form online at www.pressurecookersettlement.com
- Downloading a claim form and mailing it to the Settlement Administrator
- Requesting a claim form by phone and mailing it in
Claimants had to provide details about their experience with the pressure cooker and documentation of any injuries or property damage. Online filing was encouraged for faster processing.
What if consumers excluded themselves?
Class members had the option to exclude themselves or “opt out” of the settlement. Those who opted out would not receive settlement benefits but retained the right to file their own separate lawsuit against Nuwave. The deadline to opt out was September 10, 2021.
Could consumers object to the settlement?
Yes, class members could formally object to the terms of the settlement by submitting written objections to the Settlement Administrator by September 10, 2021. Objections had to include the specific reasons for the objection and any supporting evidence.
When did the settlement get final approval?
After the deadlines for exclusions and objections passed, the plaintiffs filed a motion for final approval of the settlement. On November 16, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida granted final approval of the settlement after determining it was fair and adequate.
How was Nuwave required to change its practices?
As part of the settlement, Nuwave agreed to make changes in how it designs, manufactures, markets, distributes, and services pressure cookers including:
- Redesigning the lid locking system
- Using alternate materials and gasket configurations
- Enhancing venting systems
- Updating quality control and testing procedures
- Revamping owner’s manuals with improved safety warnings
These changes were subject to oversight by an independent expert approved by the court to review and test Nuwave pressure cookers for the next three years.
Where can consumers find more information?
Consumers can find more details about eligibility, filing claims, and settlement benefits at the official settlement website www.pressurecookersettlement.com or by calling the Settlement Administrator at 1-877-218-4149. Comprehensive information about the terms of the settlement is available in the Class Action Settlement Agreement document.
Conclusion
The Nuwave pressure cooker class action lawsuit alleged that serious design flaws in certain models led to detachment of lids and caused injuries and burns. After 4 years of litigation, Nuwave agreed to a nationwide settlement that provided compensation to affected consumers through cash payments and product replacements. As part of the settlement, Nuwave was also required to make significant changes to improve the safety of their pressure cookers going forward. Consumers who owned the affected models and suffered injuries or damages could benefit from filing a claim prior to the October 2021 deadline.