Electronic cigarettes or vapes have been touted as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, however, the safety of these devices has been called into question. In addition to growing reports of lung injuries and deaths caused by vaping, e-cigarette batteries can explode during use, resulting in serious injuries. If you have been injured due to an e-cigarette battery explosion, an experienced defective products attorney can help you obtain compensation for the physical and emotional harm you have endured.
J&Y Law is currently representing victims of e-cigarette battery explosions throughout the state of California. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not issue regulations governing electronic nicotine delivery systems until 2016, manufacturers have long had an obligation to ensure that the products they provide to the public are safe. Our legal team has the skills and resources to file a product liability lawsuit against any negligent e-cigarette manufacturer, including Juul. We handle all injury claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing to us until we win compensation for you. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
How do e-cigarettes work?
Electronic cigarettes rely on a battery-powered charger to heat a liquid that consists of nicotine, propylene glycol and flavoring until it forms a vapor aerosol which the user can inhale. The lithium-ion batteries are similar to those used in cell phones and other electronic devices; however, the batteries in e-cigarettes are more susceptible to punctures and other defects that could cause an explosion resulting in serious personal injuries.
Popular E-Cigarettes
While Juul is one of the more widely known e-cigarette brands due to the company’s sales and marketing efforts, other popular vaping devices include:
- Vapor 4Life
- NJoy
- Mig Vapor
- Blu eCigs
- Om Vapors
- Green smoke
- Joyetech
- Panasonic
- Innokin
The use of e-cigarettes has increased tremendously in recent years; however, increasing reports of illnesses and injuries have prompted lawmakers in some states to ban certain flavorings, as well as to restrict how retailers advertise these devices. In addition, manufacturing and design defects can cause e-cigarettes to catch fire or explode, which can result in serious personal injuries, especially if the explosion occurs during use.
At J&Y Law, we are dedicated to holding e-cigarette manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by these devices. When you become our client, you can rest assured we will help you obtain the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.
Injuries Caused by E-Cigarette Explosions
If a defective e-cigarette battery causes the device to explode while vaping, users can suffer serious injuries such as thermal burns, deep tissue chemical burns, as well as skin and bone damage. Such injuries typically require long-term treatment; some victims may even require skin and bone grafts or facial reconstruction.
Because there were no government regulations governing product design and safety testing of vaping devices until 2016, many unsuspecting consumers have been exposed to the dangers of e-cigarette battery explosions. Despite the FDA’s subsequent efforts to regulate e-cigarettes, defects continue to cause explosions that result in catastrophic injuries.
Causes of Electronic Cigarette Battery Explosions
Electronic cigarettes are typically charged by lithium-ion batteries that can explode if improperly used, often due to overcharging or using a charger that is not compatible with the vaping device. Punctures or other defects can also cause the batteries to explode, however, regardless of whether the device is being properly used.
While other electronic devices that rely on lithium-ion batteries (e.g. cell phones, laptops) have built-in safety features such as temperature sensors, most e-cigarettes contain batteries lacking additional safety features. Therefore, manufacturing and design defects can result in catastrophic e-cigarette explosions, which can also be caused by exposure to external heat sources or direct sunlight. An e-cigarette that explodes in the user’s mouth can cause serious facial and oral damage or even wrongful death.
How to Avoid an E-Cigarette Battery Explosion
Given the fact that electronic cigarettes are more susceptible to battery explosions than other electronic devices, users should take the following precautions to minimize the risk of injury:
- Don’t overcharge the battery
- Never leave an e-cigarette unattended while it is being charged
- Don’t mix-and-match chargers and vape devices
- Don’t allow the device to be undercharged for an extended period of time
- Replace coils and atomizers regularly
- Ensure devices are compatible with the battery
Despite these precautions, users can still be injured by e-cigarette explosions due to design and manufacturing flaws.
Do I have a valid claim for an e-cigarette battery explosion injury?
Generally, product liability lawsuits in cigarette explosion cases arise for the following reasons:
- Design Defects — Flaws in the design phase of an electronic cigarette can adversely impact the manufacturing process, which means explosions can occur even if the vaping device was being used properly.
- Manufacturing Defects — Defects that occur while an e-cigarette is being manufactured or assembled can cause catastrophic injuries to users; product liability lawsuits arise from manufacturing defects of all types of products, including vaping devices.
- Marketing Defects — A product liability lawsuit can also be brought if an electronic cigarette lacks warnings about its proper use of the potential dangers associated with the device.
To have a valid product liability claim, however, it is necessary to demonstrate that the e-cigarette was defective, the vaping device caused your injuries, and that the product was being used as intended.
Contact our Los Angeles Electronic Cigarette Battery Explosion Attorneys
If you have been injured by an electronic cigarette battery explosion, you need the powerful representation that J&L provides. We have a proven track record of success in personal injury claims, having recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. The sooner you contact our winning legal team, the sooner we can win you the compensation you deserve.