In October 2019, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) formally named a mysterious lung illness associated with e-cigarette use, EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury). At this juncture, nearly 1,300 cases of this lung illness have been reported in the U.S., resulting in 21 deaths. If you have been diagnosed with EVALI or another lung illness caused by the use of an electronic cigarette or another vape device, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
J&Y Law is a leading personal injury law firm representing victims of EVALI throughout the state of California. Because e-cigarettes have been aggressively marketed to younger individuals, 80 percent of EVALI cases reported to date involve patients under the age of 35. While e-cigarette manufacturers have advertised these devices as a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes, there have been numerous reports of EVALI and other lung illnesses, as well as catastrophic injuries caused by e-cigarette explosions.
Our legal team is currently handling product liability cases against e-cigarette manufacturers, including Juul. We believe that negligent vape manufacturers and distributors must be held accountable for illnesses and injuries caused by defective electronic cigarettes. Above all, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of EVALI victims and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve. When you consult us, we will handle all the details of your personal injury claim so that you can focus on recovering.
How does vaping cause EVALI?
While a specific product or chemical that causes EVALI has not been identified, the CDC reports that 80 percent of EVALI cases involve THC (the chemical compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana), possibly due to thickeners and additives that have been found in black market THC cartridges. Another hypothesis is that vaping causes fat to accumulate in the lungs, triggering an inflammatory response that makes it difficult to breathe.
How is EVALI diagnosed?
At this juncture, there is no specific diagnostic test for EVALI; however, the CDC recommends that doctors take a thorough patient history, which should include inquiring about a patient’s use of electronic cigarettes. Doctors should also perform a comprehensive physical exam, which includes measuring the patient’s blood-oxygen levels.
Making an accurate EVALI diagnosis is challenging, however, because patients often experience flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Other symptoms of EVALI may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Weight loss
If you have experienced the symptoms of EVALI after using an e-cigarette device, immediately seek medical attention. Treatment with corticosteroids is recommended in some cases, while some patients may need to be placed on ventilators to assist them with breathing.
Once you have begun to recover, contact J&Y Law as soon as possible. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether you have a valid product liability claim against the e-cigarette manufacturer and explore all your options for obtaining just compensation.
Do I have a valid claim?
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not implement regulations governing electronic cigarettes until 2016, the federal agency is conducting an investigation into the marketing practices of e-cigarette manufacturers. In particular, unsuspecting minors may have been lured by flavorings that are mixed with other chemicals in vape pods.
The FDA investigation is intended to determine whether manufacturers engaged in deceptive practices and failed to warn the public about the dangers associated with vaping; marketing defects are frequently the basis for product liability lawsuits.
Contact Our Los Angeles EVALI Injury Attorney
If you have been treated for EVALI or another lung illness associated with the use of an electronic cigarette, it is crucial to have proper legal representation. When you consult J&Y Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you navigate the legal system and stand by you every step of the way.
Although the CDC has only recently identified EVALI, we believe that e-cigarette manufacturers such as Juul must be held accountable. When you become our client, we will take the time to explain all your rights and fight aggressively to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
As a premier personal injury practice serving clients throughout California, J&Y will provide you with the powerful representation you need and deserve. We handle EVALI injury cases on a contingency basis, which means that you will not pay any attorneys’ fees to us until we win compensation for you. The sooner you contact our office for a free consultation, the sooner we can get started on your case.