Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

NPR recently reported that "[i]nstant cups of soup — the kind that often come in a Styrofoam cup full of noodles — send children to the hospital every day." As Chicago products liability attorneys, that got our attention. A closer look into the story revealed that cup design is the culprit, specifically certain cup-of-soups' "unstable base." NPR further reported that the most common cases [of injuries] are small children, often toddlers, accidentally tipping the cup over on to themselves." One doctor interviewed by NPR stated: "there's no other injury that he sees as regularly that can be so directly attributed to a product's design…."

A 2007 study cited by NPR -- Noodles Stay Hotter Longer -- found that a "[n]oodle soup [burn] causes a significantly longer hospital stay than other types of soup… present[ing] a greater danger to children than other types of soup." Another study highlighted by NPR -- Instant Cup of Soup: Design Flaws Increase Risk of Burns -- found that "tall cups with a narrow bottom tip over about three times more easily than short, squat containers with a wide, stable base." That seems to make sense. According to NPR, that same study found that Nissin's Cup Noodles, a very popular variety, is one of the most easily tipped brands of cup full of noodles. Researchers believe that if companies that manufacturer cup of soup products make simple design changes, they may tip less and cause fewer injuries.

Under Illinois law, an injured person is entitled to compensation for injuries resulting from a defective product if it was in an unreasonably dangerous condition at the time the product left the control of the manufacturer, and the unreasonably dangerous condition caused the victim's injury. There must be specific circumstances present to file a product liability claim. If you have been injured by a defective or dangerous product, contact the experienced products liability and burn injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll. We will examine the details of your accident. The designer, engineer, manufacturer, component part manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer, or similar parties, may all potentially be liable for a victim's injuries. If a claim results in a monetary settlement or verdict, responsibility may be distributed among the different parties. Monetary settlements and verdicts will assist the injured person with the costs of future medical expenses and provide income in the event that the injured person is unable to work. Noneconomic recovery for physical pain, mental suffering, disability and disfigurement may also be available.