Orange County Man Loses Eye in E Cigarette Explosion
Joseph Cavins, 63, of Orange County, lost his left eye in an e-cigarette explosion after the device blew up and caused serious injuries. According to a KABC news report, Cavins says he was at home on his computer and vaping, a term used to describe smoking an electronic cigarette. He said he placed the device and went to get a pen from his bookshelf when the e-cigarette exploded. The explosion sent shrapnel 9 feet high into the ceiling and caused a fire. Fragments were also sent flying breaking some of Cavins’ facial bones.
He now wears a black patch because his eye had to be removed and replaced with a prosthetic one. His face still bears multiple scars. The culprit here is apparently the lithium ion battery that powers the e-cigarette. The battery in Cavins’ e-cig was apparently manufactured in China without much regulation or oversight. Cavins has also filed a personal injury lawsuit against multiple parties including the Irvine vape shop where he bought the batteries. Cavins said he took up vaping nearly two years ago to cut down on nicotine.
Explosions Are Now Common
E-cigarette explosions are becoming more and more common with every passing day. Just since February, incidents of exploding e-cigarettes have been reported in California, Nevada, Maryland, Kentucky, Florida and North Carolina. E-cigarettes are naturally held close to the face or tucked in a pocket. So, these accidents can be dangerous and disfiguring. One man in Florida went into a coma after an e-cig exploded in his face. Recently, a student at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa suffered serious burn injuries after an e-cigarette exploded in his pocket.
Cheap Batteries and Charges
Much like the e-cig that exploded and took out Cavins’ eye, thousands of these devices that flood smoke shops in Orange County use cheap batteries and chargers, which are manufactured with substandard parts, with no regard whatsoever for quality or safety. Our Orange County personal injury law firm represents victims of defective products including faulty or malfunctioning e-cigarette batteries and chargers.
We understand the devastating impact of these injuries including disabilities, scarring and disfigurement. Such injuries take a severe emotional toll as well. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of defective e-cigarettes, please contact an experienced Orange County e-cig injury attorney who will help you pursue fair and full compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.