Flying with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is Now a Federal Crime
It is now a federal crime to bring a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device on an aircraft. According to a Tech Times news report, passengers could be fined up to $179,933 and be subjected to criminal prosecution if they fail to comply. The U.S. Department of Transportation has banned all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from airplanes as of October 14. Passengers are restricted from carrying the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, in checked luggage or even as cargo.
These regulations were stated on an Emergency Restriction/Prohibition Order issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If a passenger inadvertently brings a Note 7 device on an aircraft, the device must be immediately turned off and should not be used or charged while aboard. Passengers who fail to comply will be slapped with civil penalties of up to $179,933 for each violation and for each day they are found to be in violation. They may also face criminal prosecution, which could include fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Note 7 Explosions
Samsung has halted production of the Note 7 devices after an estimated $17 billion loss. When the devices started exploding or catching fire, Samsung recalled millions of the devices initiating a replacement program. That fell on its face when the replacement phones started blowing up as well. It is still investigating what caused the fires and is expected to fully disclose what went wrong with the devices in the coming weeks.
The Note 7 explosions as well as fires involving e-cigarettes and hover boards have helped bring attention to the danger posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power these devices. In the case of e-cigarettes, there have been numerous reports across the country of e-cigarettes exploding in people’s faces while in use and in their pant pockets, causing severe burn injuries. Hover boards have also resulted in explosions and fires. Several airline carriers have banned hover boards. It is also illegal to carry e-cigarettes on board an aircraft.
It is a fact that there is little consumers can do to prevent these accidents. While some manufacturers say that these types of incidents occur because consumers are not using the products as intended, it has come to light that many of these incidents occur even when the products are being used properly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a lithium-ion battery explosion or fire, contact an experienced product defect attorney to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.