One of the biggest trends in the United States today is “vaping” or the use of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Although some doubt the claims that e-cigs don’t pose the health risks that regular cigarettes do, there is definitely a potentially dangerous side to these products. E-cigarettes have actually begun to explode, leaving their users with “severe burns, deep puncture wounds, and [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][blindness]”. Many of these explosions have been linked to defective lithium-ion batteries that are used in the vaporizers.
Complexity is the key to safety
Lithium ion batteries are in dozens of products that we use every single day. However, the more complex the device is, the more likely the battery is to be stable. Power tools or electric cars, for instance, use these products with very few problems. This is because they are complex devices that are considered to be dangerous, so the batteries are outfitted with fail-safe devices that can prevent the battery from becoming too hot. E-cigarettes don’t have these safety features because they are not considered as “complex” or “dangerous” as other products are. This is, in itself, a dangerous assumption. The batteries in e-cigarettes can easily overheat, leading to explosions that can cause severe chemical burns. In addition to the bodily injury from exploding while being used, the U.S. Fire Administration has found many explosions have been the result of overcharging the device, particularly at night. This could potentially lead to house fires.
Hidden dangers
Because “vaping” is such a new fad, many of the stores that are popping up around the country are not adequately informing the consumers about the hidden dangers of vaping and the proper way to charge and store their vaporizer. In addition, many are also selling their own kits for new e-cigarette users. These kits may have cross platform/brand chargers that may not be the right charger for the user’s vaporizer. This can lead to overcharging and result in explosions.
Who is responsible?
For the time being, the U. S. government has been hesitant to regulate e-cigarettes in the same way they do traditional cigarettes. However, that may change soon and e-cigarette manufacturers may begin changing over their battery systems. In the meantime, the courts have held that manufacturers of defective products are liable if the product injures an individual. Such a lawsuit can provide the injured party with compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, and even compensation for pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one have been injured by an exploding e-cigarette, you have rights that are protected by the courts. It is important that you move quickly as some states have laws governing the statute of limitations that controls how long you have to bring forward a lawsuit. The law firm of Wolf & Pravato is experienced in many areas of product liability cases and we will consult with you to review your case and apprise you of your rights.
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