Electronic cigarettes—also known as e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems—are battery-operated devices used to inhale an aerosol, consisting of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes can resemble traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and sometimes even familiar items like USB sticks or pens.
Although it is common knowledge that nicotine and other chemical exposures can be detrimental to your health, not many people are aware of the health risks associated with using an e-cigarette device, such as an explosion. However, if you were injured by an e-cigarette explosion, even if you were not the user of the device, you may benefit from consulting with an e-cigarette explosions lawyer. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
Defective E-Cigarette Batteries
The popularity of e-cigarettes has grown tremendously in the last several years. Many consumers of traditional cigarettes have switched to these battery-powered vaporizers. While this industry is seeing sky-rocketing success, many users are experiencing severe injuries due to e-cigarette batteries that are exploding and starting fires.
A heated coil is used to turn a liquid inside of an e-cigarette into a gas for inhaling. The liquid is usually a combination of glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring chemicals. Most e-cigarettes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and defects in these batteries are a central factor in the recent rise in e-cigarette explosions.
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ClientHolding E-Cigarette Battery Manufacturers Accountable
Those who are injured by an exploding battery in an e-cigarette may be able to hold the responsible parties accountable in civil court with the help of an E-cigarette explosions lawyer. These plaintiffs can file product liability lawsuits in order to recover for their damages in relation to such explosions and fires.
The US Fire Administration reviewed media reports in 2014 on 25 electronic cigarette explosions and found that:
- 80 percent occurred while a vaporizer’s battery was being charged
- 10 resulted in injuries
- 22 started fires that spread beyond the e-cigarette itself
In each of the 25 cases, federal reviewers found that lithium-ion battery failure was to blame for the explosion. Furthermore, the design of many e-cigarettes, especially vape pens, make them even more dangerous in an explosion, as they can be propelled like a small rocket or bullet.
In most cases, user error does not seem to be a factor in product failure. However, a manufacturer’s duty to consumers is to produce safe products. Unfortunately, many e-cigarette battery manufacturers are not living up to their duty to protect their customer as established by the United States Department of Commerce in the Uniform Products Liability Act (UPLA).
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Rick Smith | ClientContact an E-Cigarette Explosions Attorney Today
An e-cigarette explosions lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages in relation to an e-cigarette explosion or fire. Experienced attorneys know that burn injuries can be especially painful, debilitating, and disfiguring. They can incur large medical bills as a result.
Your personal injury lawyer could work with you to seek compensation for all your damages, including lost wages due to missed time at work as well as general pain and suffering. Call today to learn more about how skilled legal counsel could assist you in moving forward after an e-cigarette explosion.