Juul has become the most popular e-cigarette in the U.S. since it was released in 2015. Although the manufacturer claims the mechanism is designed to prevent combustion, battery and charging explosions have led to disfigurement injuries and consumers are at risk of damage to the hands, face and neck. If you or a loved one has suffered a Juul disfigurement injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
At J&Y Law, we believe that Juul must be held accountable for negligent marketing practices that have contributed to disfigurement injuries. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the e-cigarette manufacturer, our legal team is representing clients in Juul lawsuits. When you work with our winning legal team, you can rest assured that we will help you obtain meaningful compensation for the harm you have endured.
Juul Disfigurement Injury Lawsuits
Like other e-cigarettes, the chemicals contained in Juul may cause lung damage and other health problems. Moreover, there have been an increasing number of reports of these devices exploding in consumers’ hands, faces, and pants pockets. Juul battery and charger explosions can result in a variety of disfigurement injuries, including:
- Facial and limb scarring
- Loss of fingers
- Severe burns
- Eye damage
Because these devices are not regulated by the FDA, Juul and other e-cigarettes have been aggressively marketed to teenagers and young adults. As a result, class action lawsuits have been brought against Juul and it’s major stakeholder, Altria. You should know that it is not necessary to become part of a class action lawsuit to bring an injury claim against Juul.
When you consult J&Y, we will take the time to explain all your options and conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your Juul disfigurement injury. We have a proven track record of pursuing product liability claims against negligent manufacturers. Over our many years of practice we have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims throughout Northern and Southern California.
Dangerous Batteries and Chargers Can Lead To Juul Disfigurement Injuries
Juul devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries that are prone to overheating; overheating can cause an explosion resulting in disfiguring injuries. While similar batteries are found in laptops and cellphones, e-cigarette batteries are more prone to overheating due to:
- Overcharging
- Punctures
- Short circuits
- Faulty cells
- Incompatible chargers
In addition, batteries and charges are manufactured offshore, so there is little, if any, regulatory oversight or quality control.
What is the basis for a product liability lawsuit?
Generally, a product liability lawsuit can arise from:
- Design Defects — Defects that occurred during the design phase of a Juul e-cigarette may have adversely impacted the manufacturing process, which could make the devices defective.
- Manufacturing Defects — Defects that occur while an electronic cigarette is being manufactured or assembled may result in serious injuries to unsuspecting consumers.
- Marketing Defects — Because e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved, Juul may have provided defective products to consumers or failed to warn them of the dangers associated with these electronic nicotine delivery systems.
In any event, to have a valid injury claim, you must be able to show that there is a direct link between your injuries and the defective Juul device.
How To Protect Yourself from Defective Juul Devices
Given the potential for battery and charger explosions, there are steps you can take to prevent injuries, such as:
- Only charge the Juul device with a compatible adapter
- Do not plug the device into a computers or other USB-capable devices
- Avoid overcharging the battery and leaving the device unattended while it is charging
What To Do If You Have Been Injured By a Defective Juul Device
The first thing you should do after a Juul explosion injury is immediately seek medical treatment — severe injuries to the eyes, face or mouth could lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. It is also important to document and take pictures of your injuries and obtain medical records of any treatment you receive. Finally, make sure you keep the device, along with the battery and charger. Our Juul disfigurement injury attorneys routinely work with a respected network of burn accident experts who can examine the device for manufacturing defects and design flaws.
Contact our California Juul Disfigurement Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved has been injured by a defective Juul device, J&Y Law can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries or disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We have a well-earned reputation for providing our clients with powerful representation when they need it the most. We handle all product liability claims on a contingency basis, which means that you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win you compensation. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.