Nordic Ware metal pots and pans

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Jan 19, 2018 · , sent to the company Jan 29, 2018 · , published by CPSC Feb 12, 2018

   The product, in the report: Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan, 10 Cup, 9 Inch. Model No. 55742 https://www.nordicware.com/catalog/product/view/id/2355/s/9-leak-proof-springform-pan/category/74/ Purchased on Amazon.com on 1/31/2017, promoted as “Amazon’s Choice” product recommendation. https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Leakproof-Springform-Inch/dp/B000237FSA

   I am a consumer advocate attorney who represents a client who sustained first and second degree burns on or about February 26, 2017 as a result of using Nordic Ware’s 9-inch “Leak-Proof Springform Pan”.

   The wholesaler, Northland Aluminum Products, Inc. dba Nordic Ware, (“Nordic Ware”) imports and private labels an “off the shelf” spring form pan from Germany from the manufacturer WMF Americas Group (“WMF”).

   My client purchased the item from Amazon.com on January 31, 2017.

   The Use and Care Instructions included on the back of the package provides only the following: “1. Before initial use and after subsequent uses, wash with hot soapy water. 2. Before each use, brush with solid vegetable shortening and dust with flour or spray with unsalted vegetable shortening with flour in the spray. 3. Metal utensils, scouring pads and abrasive cleaners should not be used on non-stick surfaces.”

   On February 26, 2017, my client used the “Leak-Proof” pan for the first time and followed all instructions when baking a French pastry called “kouign-aman”, a butter-croissant style cake.

   After baking the cake as called for in the recipe at about 400 degrees for approximately 25 minutes, she cautiously removed the hot “Leak-Proof” pan from the oven when butter poured out of the bottom of the pan at the sides and directly onto my client’s exposed right thigh causing first and second degree burns.

   The burns from the leak caused immediately swelling, redness, raised blisters, and excruciating pain.

   My client initially self-treated by cleaning the wound, dressing it with antibiotic ointment, and applying a dressing. She continued to experience pain and drainage from the wound.

   The following day, on February 27, 2017, she presented to [REDACTED]. She was examined by a Physician’s Assistant with chief complaints associated with “Leg swelling, Burn and Burn Injury.” Notes indicate that she was burned from hot liquid while cooking something and after liquid spilled from the pan and dripped onto her leg.

   Upon examination, it was noted that abnormal erythematous lesions with scattered blisters to the right anterior mid to distal thigh measuring an area 9cm x 5cm. The largest blister measured 2cm x 1cm.

   My client’s diagnoses included the following:

   1. Burn of first degree of unspecified site of right lower limb. 2. Burn of second degree of right thigh.

   She received a three inch [REDACTED] bandage and gave explicit wound care instructions.

   As a result of the incident and her significant burns, my client has suffered pain, swelling, and disfigurement/scarring on her right leg. Due to her injuries, she suffers embarrassing scars. She can no longer wear shorts, skirts, or swimwear without revealing the remnants of her gruesome injury.

   I first notified Nordic Ware of my client’s injuries on July 21, 2017. Shortly thereafter, on August 3, 2017, I issued a demand for compensatory damages for my client’s injuries, scars, and pain and suffering.

   On October 30, 2017, Nordic Ware’s insurer provided a response that denied responsibility, pointed responsibility to WMF as the manufacturer, and otherwise allowed the demand to expire. This was the first time that I was made aware that Nordic Ware did not produce the product in house.

   On November 2, 2017, I provided a detailed response to Nordic Ware’s representative disputing their denial of responsibility, pointing out that Nordic Ware labels the product “Leak-Proof” while WMF appears to promote the product as “Leak-Resistant”.

   I also advised Nordic Ware in writing on more than one occasion of its mandatory self-reporting obligations to immediately inform the CPSC of the incident and due to the risk to consumers.

   Despite these repeated requests, Nordic Ware has apparently ignored its duty to immediately self-report and continues to promote its product on its consumer website as “Leak-Proof”. (See https://www.nordicware.com/catalog/product/view/id/2355/s/9-leak-proof-springform-pan/category/74/)

   In addition, a search of the Amazon product page and associated reviews indicates over 100 incidences where consumers complain that the “Leak-Proof” pan is mislabeled and falsely advertised due to leaking (often on the very first use) going back many years ago. (See Amazon Reviews.) Despite numerous reports of leaks from this product, Amazon continues to endorse the product as “Amazon’s Choice” for Springform Pans.

   It is clear that Nordic Ware, WMF, and/or Amazon knew or should have known of the safety risks posed to consumers through these product reviews, has failed to self-report these incidences to the CPSC as required by law, or take responsibility for my client’s injuries. In fact, continues to market and promote a product with known potential safety-risks as “Leak Proof” placing profits before people and intentionally misrepresenting its products to consumers.

   Please note that my client is represented by legal counsel in this matter. My contact information is as follows:

   [REDACTED]

   Model

   55742

   UPC

   011172557421

   Bought from

   Amazon.com

   Bought

   Jan 31, 2017

   Where

   Los Angeles, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 32, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Client, Patient, Student, Etc. (professional relationship)

   As this report names them

   Brand Nordic Ware, made or sold by NORTHLAND ALUMINUM PRODUCTS, INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

2. First aid

   Made Dec 24, 2017 · , sent to the company Mar 15, 2018 · , published by CPSC Apr 6, 2018

   The product, in the report: 2 burner griddle

   My husband was using on a ceramic stove top cooking pancakes. When he went to get the pancakes off the griddle he touched the handles and got a SEVERE burn on his hands. The handles are positioned so there is no way that someone wouldn’t touch them at some point during the cooking process. The packaging does indicate to use oven mitts, but in today’s world where nearly all products are heat safe I doubt most consumers would read the fine print.

   Model

   Double burner griddle

   UPC

   011172103055

   Bought from

   Walmart, Florida

   Bought

   Dec 17, 2017

   Where

   Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 74, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Spouse

   As this report names them

   Brand Nordic ware, made or sold by NORTHLAND ALUMINUM PRODUCTS, INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources