Caution: E-Cigarette Lithium Batteries Can Explode
E-cigarette battery explosions have resulted in significant injury and property damage to those involved. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, the lithium batteries powering these devices can pose a serious threat to users’ safety.
Due to improper storage, use, and manufacturing defects, these explosions have resulted in significant injuries, long-term disability, and even death. Even worse, this number is on the rise as more and more people turn to e-cigarettes instead of traditional tobacco products.
If you or someone you know suffered an injury from an e-cigarette battery explosion, you must speak to an experienced product liability attorney immediately. With a lawyer on your side, you can hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their defective products, receive the compensation you deserve, and prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Understanding E-Cigarette Lithium Batteries
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-powered devices that simulate smoking. These devices typically have three main components:
- A lithium-ion battery
- A heating element
- A cartridge containing the liquid or vape juice
The battery in an e-cigarette provides the power that heats the liquid inside the cartridge and converts it into vapor. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in e-cigarettes because of their power and relatively long lifespan. Thanks to lithium-ion batteries, users can recharge their e-cigarettes multiple times before replacing them.
E-Cigarette Lithium Battery Explosions
Unfortunately, e-cigarette batteries can overheat and explode, causing horrific burns, bodily injuries, and even property damage. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2018, an estimated 2,035 e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries have been reported in emergency departments in the United States recently.
E-cigarette lithium battery explosions can cause significant injury and harm anyone using the e-cigarette, as well as others nearby, including:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Hand and face disfigurement
- Burns to the lips, face, and hands
- Fractures
- Loss of teeth
- Lacerations and burns to the eyes
- Loss of teeth
- Damage to vital organs
Common Causes of E-Cigarette Battery Explosions
While e-cigarettes are a popular alternative to traditional smoking, there are three key factors that can contribute to e-cigarette battery explosions.
Overcharging Batteries: One of the leading causes of e-cigarette battery explosions is overcharging or overheating. When a lithium-ion battery is charged for an extended period, it causes heat and pressure to build up within the battery. The result is a battery that begins to vent gas, or in severe cases, explodes.
To prevent overcharging and overheating, use chargers designed explicitly for e-cigarette batteries and follow the manufacturer’s recommended charging guidelines. Avoid leaving batteries unattended while charging, and never charge them overnight or for an extended period beyond what is necessary.
Manufacturing Defects: Poor quality control and manufacturing defects in e-cigarette batteries can also contribute to the risk of explosions. Some manufacturers may not adhere to strict quality standards or they may use improper or cheap materials. When e-cigarette battery makers cut corners to gain higher profits, they put consumers at risk. Manufacturing defects such as faulty seals, improper insulation, or weak internal components can increase the likelihood of battery failures and explosions.
Counterfeit Batteries: Counterfeit batteries can also lead to e-cigarette battery explosions. These fake batteries are often manufactured using substandard materials. They lack the necessary safety features found in genuine batteries, which can have serious consequences when used in e-cigarettes. Counterfeit batteries can have inconsistent performance, higher failure rates, and are more prone to explosions.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Battery Explosion Injury
Victims of e-cigarette battery explosions may be able to file a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. When an e-cigarette explosion occurs, resulting in harm, individuals affected may have the right to sue the responsible parties, such as e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
Product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products. If an e-cigarette battery explosion is caused by a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions, the manufacturer may be liable for the resulting injuries. Manufacturers must ensure their products are reasonably safe for consumers when used as intended.
Victims of e-cigarette battery explosions may be entitled to seek compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
Given the complexities of personal injury cases and product liability laws, victims of e-cigarette battery explosions must seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer with experience in product liability litigation. A product defect attorney can provide guidance, evaluate the strength of the case, gather evidence, and represent your best interests throughout the legal process.
Contact Our San Bernardino Defective Products Lawyers
If your e-cigarette lithium battery explodes and injures you or someone you love, you need a law firm on your side to fight for your rights. Our San Bernardino defective products lawyers know how to go toe-to-toe with manufacturers and design companies and win. We will fight aggressively and hold negligent product manufacturers accountable.
If you’re looking for a defective product attorney you can count on, call a San Bernardino product liability lawyer today at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. We are here to get the help you need to move forward. Call (909) 890-1000 or complete our confidential contact form today.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.