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Injuries Caused by Thermos Products

The recall involves certain Thermos food jars and beverage bottles that lack a pressure relief mechanism in the stopper. When perishable food or beverages are stored inside for an extended period, pressure can build inside the container.

When the user attempts to open the product, the stopper can suddenly eject with significant force, creating a risk of blunt-force trauma and lacerations. The recalled products include:

• Thermos Stainless King Food Jar (Model SK3000)
• Thermos Stainless King Food Jar (Model SK3020)
• Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottle (Model SK3010)

The recall affects millions of units sold nationwide between 2008 and 2024.

When a defective stopper launches unexpectedly, the injuries can be severe and happen instantly. Common injuries include:

• Eye injuries – including retinal damage, corneal lacerations, and permanent vision loss
• Facial fractures – from direct impact to the nose, cheekbones, or jaw
• Cuts and lacerations – especially to the face, lips, and hands
• Dental injuries – broken or knocked-out teeth
• Head trauma – including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Permanent disfigurement – due to scarring or reconstructive surgery

The recall notice identifies at least 27 reported injuries, including three cases of permanent vision loss.

The injuries connected to these Thermos products appear to stem from a design defect. Specifically, the recalled products were sold without a pressure relief feature in the stopper. Without that safety feature, gas and pressure can build up inside the container when food spoils or ferments.

Potential causes include, but are not limited to:

• Defective product design
• Failure to include pressure-release safety features
• Failure to warn consumers of pressure buildup risks
• Negligent product testing
• Failure to issue earlier safety corrections

Product manufacturers have a duty to design products that are reasonably safe for ordinary consumer use.

If you were injured by a recalled Thermos product, several parties may potentially be held responsible, including:

• The manufacturer – for designing and selling a defective product
• Distributors – for placing unsafe products into the stream of commerce
• Retailers – for selling defective products to consumers
• Supply chain partners – depending on how the product was assembled or distributed

Product liability claims may involve:

• Design defect claims
• Failure-to-warn claims
• Negligence claims
• Breach of warranty claims

An experienced product liability attorney can investigate your case and determine who may be legally responsible.

How do I know if my Thermos product was recalled?

Check the model number printed on the bottom of your product. The recall includes SK3000, SK3020, and SK3010 products manufactured before July 2023.

What should I do if I was injured by a recalled Thermos product?

Seek medical treatment immediately, document your injuries, preserve the product, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I sue if my Thermos caused an eye injury?

Yes. If the injury was caused by a defective product, you may have grounds for a product liability claim.

Do I need the Thermos product to file a claim?

Keeping the product is extremely helpful evidence. If possible, preserve it and avoid making changes to it.

What compensation can I recover?

Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and disfigurement.