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E-Cigarette Explosion Lawyers
Tobacco cigarette use has declined in recent years. However, that does not mean people are not smoking. Instead of smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, which are well-documented as causing cancer and other health issues, many people have switched to electronic cigarettes. These small, hand-held devices enable users to inhale nicotine and exhale a water-based vapor. No tobacco is necessary. E-cigarettes are viewed by many as more convenient and healthier, however, they come with some significant risks. A variety of brands of e-cigarettes have exploded or had other defects that cause users injuries.
If you’ve been hurt by one of these products, the electric cigarette explosion lawyers are here to help. You should never experience an exploding or dangerous device. Any e-cigarette you purchase and use properly should be as safe as possible.
When you or a loved one are hurt because of a faulty e-cigarette, contact our product liability lawyers at 618-277-3644 to schedule a free case consultation.
E-Cigarettes Are at Risk for Exploding
The liquid used to provide nicotine through e-cigarettes may cause users health problems – it will take time and research to tell. In the meantime, one risk is clear: e-cigarettes may explode and cause significant injuries.
There have been many reports of a variety of brands and types of e-cigarettes exploding while in a user’s mouth, in their pockets, or while charging. Most defects in e-cigarettes are based on the lithium-ion batteries that power them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful and compact, making them perfect for this type of device. However, small defects or simple mistakes can lead to serious consequences.
When an e-cigarette explodes, it typically catches fire. Said fire also often spreads to nearby materials. Yet it is not only the fire that causes harm. The metal and plastic components themselves are catapulted outward due to the pressure. These pieces act like shrapnel, cutting and piercing the user or anyone close by.
Many users suffer serious injuries to their face, hands, arms, legs, and groin, particularly if the e-cigarette was in their pant pocket at the time. Individuals who have had an e-cigarette explode near their face have suffered severe burns; damage to their nose, lips, gums, and tongue; eye injuries; and lost teeth.
A majority of these injuries require significant medical treatments, including skin grafts, oral surgery, and reconstructive surgery. They are likely to leave permanent scarring and disfigurements, which will have impact a person’s life moving forward.
Potential Reasons for a Dangerous Explosion
Common reasons that the lithium-ion batteries in e-cigarettes explode include:
- Charging problems – E-cigarettes should only be charged with their original components or with an official replacement charger. Using a different charger intended for another type or model of e-cigarette increases the likelihood of the device being charged too quickly or too much, which can cause explosions.
- Electrical shorts – When an excessive amount of electricity flows to the e-cigarette, it can cause an explosion. E-cigarettes have been known to short when a spare battery has been carried close to the device.
- Extreme temperatures – Lithium-ion batteries do not do well in extremely cold or hot temperatures. In certain environments, they may be more apt to explode.
These issues tend to boil down to a manufacturing, design, or warning defect. If a lithium-ion battery is not designed to be as safe as possible and it causes a harmful explosion, then you may have a product liability claim based on a design defect. If a lithium-ion battery is improperly manufactured or assembled and it does not meet the standards of its design, it could have a defect that increases the likelihood of an explosion. If this defect causes you an injury, then you may have a claim for a manufacturing defect. Additionally, it is possible that many e-cigarettes do not come with the necessary warnings regarding how they should be safely charged.
E-Cigarette Brands Reported as Exploding and Causing Harm
Previous studies and reviews have found that almost 500 brands of e-cigarettes are on the market. Some of the brands that have had their products explode include:
- Aspire
- Bulldog
- EFest
- ELeaf
- Kangertech
- Prodigy
- Ruyan
- Smokin Time
- Wotopho
- eGo
- iJoy
Speak with an Attorney About a Product Liability Claim
If you were injured when an e-cigarette exploded, contact our electric cigarette explosion lawyers right away. We will thoroughly review your potential case, including the brand of the e-cigarette, whether it has a history of explosions, and whether there was a defect with your model of e-cigarette.
Once we have completed our investigation, we will review your right to bring a product liability claim based on negligence or strict liability. Through a negligence claim, we will seek to prove that the manufacturer, seller, or other at-fault party did not act responsibly toward consumers. We will argue that they were careless in designing or manufacturing the device. If we allege that the other party is responsible based on strict liability, we must only prove that the party is responsible for the outcomes associated with its product, not that it necessarily did anything wrong. Additionally, your claims may also focus on the manufacturer or retailer not appropriately warning you of the risks of lithium-ion batteries and how to safely charge them.
Compensation You May Pursue in a Product Liability Claim
Through a product liability claim, you can ask for compensation for your physical, psychological, and financial injuries, including:
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Emotional Distress and Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost income
- Medical costs
- Physical pain
Additionally, if we have evidence that the at-fault party’s actions were egregious, we may pursue punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to prevent them from acting in such a harmful way again.
Contact Our E-Cigarette Explosion Lawyers The Cates Law Firm, LLC Today
While e-cigarettes have been hailed as a safe alternative to cancer-causing tobacco cigarettes, they are far from harmless. If you have been hurt, we are here to help you hold the e-cigarette manufacturer or retailer responsible. Our experienced electric cigarette explosion lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC are prepared to represent you in all phases of your case relating to your injuries. We are well-versed in product liability claims and will work hard to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about your rights and legal options after an e-cigarette explosion, contact us at 618-277-3644 to schedule a free consultation.