At Kelley | Uustal, our commitment to justice and protecting the rights of those harmed by negligence or defective products remains unwavering. For this case, the legal team secured a $27 million settlement for a family whose 3-year-old suffered devastating injuries due to a malfunctioning pressure cooker.
The Case: A Heartbreaking Incident
Three years ago, the Gonzalez family faced an unimaginable tragedy when a pressure cooker exploded, causing severe burns to their young daughter, Samantha. The incident occurred while Samantha’s grandmother was cooking. The pressure cooker began making alarming noises, prompting the grandmother to try moving it. Unfortunately, it fell, causing hot liquid to spray onto Samantha, who was nearby. The resulting injuries led to the amputation of her leg, hand, and several fingers.
The Challenge: Overcoming Initial Doubts
When the Gonzalez family filed their claim against the pressure cooker’s distributor, Lifetime Brands, the company deflected responsibility, suggesting the family was to blame for the accident. The initial police investigation also placed blame on Samantha’s grandmother, suspecting negligence or even intentional harm. Many believed the case was unwinnable due to these allegations and the seemingly intact condition of the pressure cooker itself.
The Investigation: Uncovering the Truth
Despite the daunting challenges, the attorneys at Kelley | Uustal refused to give up. Our team meticulously reconstructed the incident, piecing together testimonies and evidence. Samantha’s father recalled slipping on a liquid-covered floor as he rushed to help, indicating an unexpected release of contents from the pressure cooker. This clue led us to question how the liquid could have escaped if the cooker hadn’t malfunctioned.
We engaged engineering experts to analyze the pressure cooker, but initial assessments suggested user error. However, we persisted, conducting our own tests and scrutinizing every detail. The breakthrough came when we discovered high-velocity food debris on the kitchen walls and ceiling, proving the cooker had indeed exploded under pressure.
The Outcome: A Life-Changing Settlement
Our relentless pursuit of the truth culminated in demonstrating the exact nature of the defect to Lifetime Brands’ representatives and defense attorneys. This evidence compelled them to agree to a $27 million settlement, ensuring Samantha’s future needs would be met, including the provision of properly sized prosthetics as she grows.
Our Take
The $27 million settlement in the pressure cooker explosion case is a testament to Kelley | Uustal’s dedication and expertise. We stand firm in our commitment to protect our clients and achieve justice on their behalf.
Kelley | Uustal: Champions of Justice
Founded in 2008 by nationally recognized attorneys Robert Kelley and John Uustal, our firm has been a beacon of hope for clients in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas and beyond. With over 12 award-winning attorneys, Kelley | Uustal has secured more than $1 billion in life-changing verdicts and settlements using our Personal Victory process.
We specialize in personal injury cases involving malice, accidents, or corporate negligence, often taking on cases that other firms consider too risky or expensive. Our confident, protective, and strong approach ensures that our clients feel informed and secure throughout the litigation process.
