Many people are filing instant soup burn lawsuits after suffering severe burns because of unstable packaging, excessive heat retention, or flimsy lids that make spills more likely.
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Often referred to as “ramen”, those styrofoam instant noodle soup cups that are filled with seasoning packets and dried noodles are popular, budget-friendly, and easy to make. Just add hot water, and you’ve got yourself a meal. If you’ve ever spilled one, though, you know how dangerously hot they can get.
In the United States, approximately 25 children per day suffer burn and scald injuries involving dangerous instant soup and noodle cup products. That’s roughly 9,500 kids between the ages of 4 and 12 who are suffering painful scalding injuries each year. In fact, close to 20% of scald burns that send children to the ER are caused by microwaveable noodle soups. In about 10% of cases, children require hospitalization or transfer for additional medical care.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries from an instant soup spill, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
At Ankin Law, we are currently evaluating cases for individuals who have been injured by scalding hot soup spills. If you or a loved one suffered burns from an instant noodle soup accident, call 312-600-0000 for a free consult.
Why Are Instant Soup Cups So Dangerous?
Instant soup containers, particularly those in lightweight styrofoam or paper cups, have been linked to thousands of burn injuries. When boiling water is added to dehydrated noodles, the liquid can reach dangerously high temperatures, capable of causing second- and third-degree burns within seconds.
Children are particularly at risk, as they may have difficulty handling these unstable containers. Studies have shown that instant soup burns are a common cause of emergency room visits for pediatric scald injuries.
Several design flaws make certain instant soup products hazardous.
Unstable Cup Design
Many instant soup cups are tall and narrow, making them prone to tipping over. Studies reveal that tall, narrow-bottom cups tip over approximately three times more easily than shorter containers with wider bottoms. Unlike traditional bowls, which have a broader base for stability, these containers can easily fall when placed on an uneven surface or when handled by young children.
Difficult-to-Handle Lids
Instant noodle soup cup lids do not reseal after hot water is added. While this allows built-up steam to be released, it also increases the likelihood of a spill if the cup tips over. Additionally, removing the lid from an instant soup cup after the noodles have cooked can be awkward, especially for young children.
Extremely Hot Liquid
When hot water is added to instant noodles, the liquid inside reaches scalding temperatures that can cause second- and third-degree burns upon contact with the skin. Due to the insulating properties of the cup, the liquid retains heat for an extended period, increasing the risk of injury.
Lack of Safety Warnings
While some brands include warnings about potential burns, many do not provide adequate instructions to prevent injuries. Even when warnings are present, they may be insufficient in protecting consumers from harm.
Common Injuries From Instant Soup Burns
The injuries caused by instant soup spills can be severe, often requiring extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include:
Second- and Third-Degree Burns
The high temperature of instant soup can cause deep tissue burns, leading to pain, blistering, and permanent scarring. To make matters worse, once cooked, the noodles inside the cups become sticky and are likely to cling to the victim’s skin. This can result in deeper, more severe burns when compared with those caused by hot liquids alone. Severe burns may require skin grafts and long-term medical care.
Upper and Lower Body Burns
Since most spills occur while a person is eating or carrying the cup, burns frequently affect the chest, torso, and upper and lower extremities Approximately 40% of noodle soup burns happen to the torso.
Burns to Children
Children are at an increased risk of instant soup burns due to their smaller bodies and developing motor skills. According to medical studies, instant soup burns are a leading cause of scald injuries among young children.
Legal Claims Against Instant Soup Manufacturers
If you have been injured by an instant soup spill, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Several legal claims can be pursued in these cases:
Product Liability Claims
Manufacturers have a duty to design products that are safe for consumers. If a product’s design is inherently dangerous, the company may be held liable for injuries caused by its use. In the case of instant soup cups, an unstable design may be considered a defect.
Failure to Warn
Companies must provide clear warnings about the risks associated with their products. If a manufacturer fails to adequately warn consumers about the potential for burns, they could be held responsible for injuries.
Negligence Claims
If a company knowingly produces an unsafe product without taking steps to correct the issue, it may be considered negligent. This can include failing to redesign unstable containers or not providing proper handling instructions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Noodle Soup Burns?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, multiple parties may be held liable, including:
- The Manufacturer: The company that designed and produced the instant soup may be responsible for a defective product. Widely sold brands include Nissin Cup Noodles, Maruchan, Campbell’s Hearty Noodles, and Nongshim.
- Retailers: If a store sold a dangerously designed or defective product, they might share liability.
- Distributors: Companies that distribute or market the product may also be held accountable if they knowingly sold a dangerous item.
Compensation Available in Instant Soup Burn Lawsuits
Victims of instant soup burns may seek compensation for various damages, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the case.
- Medical Bills: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, skin grafts, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care required due to the burn injuries.
- Lost Wages: If the injury prevents the victim from working temporarily or permanently, they may be compensated for lost income. This can also cover diminished earning capacity if the burn leads to long-term disability or limitations.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and any ongoing issues such as nerve damage, sensitivity, or chronic pain resulting from the burn.
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: If the burns leave visible scars, especially on the face, hands, or other prominent areas, victims may be entitled to compensation for the impact on their appearance and self-esteem.
- Emotional Distress: Severe burns can lead to psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social withdrawal, which may also be factored into compensation claims.
Additional damages, such as punitive damages, may be available if the manufacturer was found to be egregiously negligent. Although punitive damages are rare, awards can be substantial.
Over the years, several lawsuits have been filed against instant soup manufacturers for burn injuries. These cases have brought attention to the dangers of unstable packaging and have resulted in millions in settlements for injured consumers. Some lawsuits have led to calls for safer product designs, such as wider, more stable containers.
How Ankin Law Can Help You
If you or a loved one has suffered serious burns from an instant soup accident, Ankin Law is here to help. Our experienced mass tort attorneys will evaluate your case and determine the best legal path forward.
We will:
- Provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation to determine whether you have a viable claim.
- Review your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, and let you know approximately how much your case is worth.
- File your claim against the manufacturer who is responsible for your injuries, and negotiate to help you recover maximum compensation.
- Protect your rights in court if your case goes to trial.
Contact Us for Your Free Consultation
If you believe you have a claim against an instant soup manufacturer, it’s important to take legal action as soon as possible. Burn injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, meaning you have only a limited time to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to seek compensation.
Burn injuries from instant soup can be severe, leading to high medical costs, lost income, ongoing pain, and emotional distress. Pursuing legal action helps you recover financially, and also holds negligent manufacturers accountable. By taking a stand, you can help encourage safer product designs and prevent future injuries.
An experienced product liability lawyer at Ankin Law will assess your case, gather evidence, and determine the full extent of your damages. Whether your injury resulted from defective packaging, inadequate warnings, or another form of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Ankin Law in Chicago today at 312-600-0000 for a free consultation.
