A Texas resident has filed a federal lawsuit against SharkNinja, alleging that she sustained severe burns when a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker malfunctioned during ordinary use.
The complaint was filed by Krystle Johnson in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on July 2. Johnson names SharkNinja Management LLC and SharkNinja Operating LLC as defendants, accusing them of manufacturing and selling a defective product that caused significant bodily harm. The incident occurred on August 17, 2024, at Johnson’s home in Harris County, where the pressure cooker allegedly exploded without warning, releasing hot food and liquid that caused first- and second-degree burns to multiple parts of her body.
According to the complaint, the pressure cooker was designed and marketed with safety features intended to prevent precisely the kind of failure Johnson experienced. She contends the device’s lid failed to remain sealed under pressure, rendering it unreasonably dangerous despite assurances from the manufacturer.
Johnson asserts the product was defective in its design, manufacture, and marketing. She claims SharkNinja failed to adequately test the appliance or warn consumers of its risks. The lawsuit includes counts of negligence, gross negligence, failure to warn, and violations related to product liability. The complaint also invokes the doctrine of respondeat superior, arguing that SharkNinja is responsible for the actions of its employees in connection with the alleged failures.
Her filing comes in the wake of a national recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which involved nearly two million SharkNinja pressure cookers. That recall was prompted by more than 100 reported injuries, including cases involving serious burns caused by pressure cooker lids detaching while the device was still pressurized.
Johnson’s lawsuit joins at least 30 other legal actions brought against SharkNinja by individuals who claim to have suffered similar injuries. Other pressure cooker brands, including those sold by Crock-Pot and Instant Brands, have faced litigation over comparable incidents, with plaintiffs alleging that advertised safety features failed to prevent explosions.
The suit seeks compensation for Johnson’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, emotional distress, lost income, and other related damages. A jury trial has been requested.
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