E-Cig Injury Lawyers
There have been many injuries in the last few years e-cigarettes that explode due to a faulty battery or charging mechanism. Many of the injuries can lead to permanent damage to hands, face and neck. If you've been injured by an exploding e-cig contact our defective product lawyers for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation including medical bills and time off work. Call 1-800-561-4887 for help.
E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuits
E-Cigarettes mimic the real thing. When you inhale, the end glows and when you exhale a cloud of smoke or vapor is emitted from the device. They are virtually accessories for celebrities and reality show stars. But, unlike traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These devices are currently being aggressively marketed to teenagers and young adults.
Recent studies and analyses of these products show that chemicals found in e-cigarettes have the potential to cause lung damage and other serious health problems. Moreover, recent media reports tell terrifying stories of e-cigarettes that explode in users' hands, faces, pant pockets or even luggage, causing serious burn injuries and fires. The Orange County product defect law firm of Bisnar Chase is representing victims of e-cigarette injuries and is continuing to investigate cases where these devices have exploded and caused severe injuries.
What is in an E-Cigarette?
An electronic cigarette is basically a battery-powered vaporizer. The parts that make up an e-cigarette are a mouthpiece, a cartridge or tank, an atomizer, a microprocessor, a battery and possibly an LED light on the end. The atomizer consists of a heating element that vaporizes the liquid in the cartridge. The e-liquid heats up to create an aerosolized vapor, which the user inhales. The aerosol is said to provide a flavor and feel similar to tobacco smoking. There are a number of variations of the device, but they are all more or less made up of the same components. The power source is the biggest component of an e-cigarette, which is most often a rechargeable lithium battery.
E-Cigarette Explosions
The lithium batteries and their chargers have been blamed in a number of explosions across the United States. Here a just a few reports of explosions that occurred recently as reported by the media:
- A 29-year-old man was paralyzed after his e-cigarette exploded in his face, breaking his neck, burning his mouth and knocking out his teeth.
- A truck driver in Indiana crashed his big-rig when the e-cigarette he was smoking exploded. He suffered facial injuries from the explosion.
- A 19-year-old Orange County teen suffered burn injuries to his thigh after an e-cigarette battery in his pocket blew up after coming into contact with his keys.
Dangerous Batteries and Chargers
These are just a few recent examples. There are many more incidents that occur every week involving these potentially defective devices. In a majority of the cases, it's the device's lithium-ion batteries that explode or catch fire. These batteries are also commonly found in laptops and cell phones. However, with e-cigarettes, the batteries are more prone to overheating, especially when they are used with incompatible chargers. Batteries and chargers are also manufactured overseas where there is little regulation or quality control. The FDA has yet to regulate e-cigarettes in any way, shape or form.
Steps You Can Take
You cannot protect yourself from defectively manufactured or assembled e-cigarettes. However, here are a few steps you can take in terms of exercising caution.
- Avoid counterfeit brands. Be aware of where the devices, batteries and chargers are manufactured.
- Only charge your device with the power adapter that comes with the battery.
- Do not plug the device into computers or other USB-capable devices.
- Find a device that has a battery you remove from the atomizer to charge. These appear to be safer than the models that remain attached when charging.
- Do not overcharge your battery or leave it plugged in and unattended.
If You Have Been Injured
If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of a defective electronic cigarette, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your legal rights are protected. First and foremost, get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. A number of victims suffer severe injuries to their eyes, face and mouth, particularly if the device explodes as they are using it. This could lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. Users also face the risk of suffering burn injuries to other parts of their bodies.
Be sure to preserve the device, including the different components such as the battery and charger. The device needs to be thoroughly examined by an expert for any types of defects, malfunctions or design flaws. Contact an experienced e-cigarette lawsuit attorney who will conduct an independent investigation and hold the product manufacturers accountable for their negligence. In such cases, depending on the circumstances, there may be a number of potentially liable parties including the shop that sold you the product, the manufacturer of the e-cigarette, the company that made the battery or the charger.
Compensation for Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective electronic cigarette, you may be entitled to compensation including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation costs, permanent injuries or disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. The experienced Orange County defective product attorneys at Bisnar Chase will work diligently to ensure that you are fairly and fully compensated for your losses and that the negligent manufacturers are held accountable. We are passionate about the pursuit of justice for our injured clients. Call us at (800) 561-4887 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
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