The Danger of Exploding E-Cigarettes

We are now hearing more and more reports about exploding electronic cigarettes.

Recently, the Newport Beach personal injury law firm of Bisnar Chase filed a product liability lawsuit on behalf of plaintiff Nardin Andy, who suffered severe facial injuries after an e-cigarette vaporizer exploded in his face and caused severe injuries.

The lawsuit, filed on Sept. 22 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, names several defendants including the Tobacco Revolution Smoke Shop, Shenzhen Longterm Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Mxjo Technology Co. Ltd. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

Andy was using a Fogger 4 vaporizer with MXJO batteries and other component parts and fluids when the device blew up, burning him and sending shrapnel flying into his mouth and face.

He had purchased the e-cigarette from the Tobacco Revolution Smoke Shop in Whittier. He suffered burns, bruises and other injuries.

Why Do E-Cigs Explode?

The worrisome fact is that Andy is not alone. Many other e-cigarette users around the country have unfortunately suffered painful burn injuries and lacerations as a result of these exploding devices.

What makes e-cigs dangerous?

Apparently, these personal electronic nicotine delivery systems use lithium-ion batteries that could combust. These batteries are also found in laptops and cell phones.

However, with e-cigarettes, the batteries are likely to overheat because smokers tend to use incompatible chargers or don’t take enough safety precautions.

The industry itself acknowledges that the devices could potentially explode.

The U.S. Fire Administration’s analyzed e-cigarette explosions since 2009 and this is what they found. About 20 incidents occurred when the battery in the device was being charged. Two occurred when the person was using them. One incident occurred during transportation on a cargo aircraft.

Since 2009, no deaths but 10 injuries have been reported. The most common injuries were burns and the most serious injuries occurred when the devices exploded in the users’ mouths.

Protecting Your Rights

If you have been injured while using an e-cigarette, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. E-cigarettes are relatively new products that have not yet been properly regulated.

Most of these devices are manufactured in China or other countries and imported.

We often don’t know whether they are any quality control procedures in place at the plants where the devices or batteries are manufactured.

It is important that you contact an experienced California personal injury attorney who will ensure that you receive fair and full compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.