E-Cigarette Explosions: Understanding Risks, Lawsuits, and Manufacturer Liability
E-cigarettes, also known as vaping, have grown in popularity over the past few years as many smokers switch to what they believe is a safer alternative. In addition, e-cigarettes are permitted in many bars, restaurants and other places where cigarettes are prohibited. What you may not realize, according to Las Vegas personal injury attorneys, is that an e-cigarette is operated by a battery. Over the past year, more than 120 lawsuits were filed after injuries occurred when the battery in an e-cigarette exploded.
Explosion Details
In May 2018, a St. Petersburg, Florida, man was killed when the vape unit he was using exploded. The man was discovered after a fire alarm went off in his home and officers found him with a projectile wound to the head. An autopsy revealed that the projectile was a section of an e-cigarette. This was just one incident reported out of 195 exploding vape unit incidents between 2009 and 2016. In 2015, a Naples, Florida, man suffered burns to his face, chest, hands and lungs after an e-cigarette explosion and a New York man suffered third-degree burns when an vape unit exploded in his pocket. A 14-year old girl suffered burns after one of the devices exploded in the pocket of a person nearby while on a Harry Potter ride at University Studios in Orlando.
Lawsuit Filings
In 2017, at least eight people filed lawsuits that claim e-cigarettes caused them injury. Some reported lost teeth while others say they suffered third-degree burns to their face, neck mouth and chest. Dozens more say their legs or groin suffered burns when the vape unit exploded in their pocket. The family of a New York man who died when an e-cigarette sent shrapnel into his head has filed a wrongful death claim, according to Las Vegas injury lawyers. The United States Fire Administration reported that, although lithium batteries exist in many other products, no other device puts those batters so close to the human body.
Manufacturer Liability
There are several reasons why vape unit manufacturers may be liable for the injuries and death of users whose e-cigarette exploded. If there is a defect in the design of the e-cigarette, it poses a risk to consumers even if it is being used as designed. If there was a mistake on the production line, the manufacturer could also be held liable. Companies are also required to provide warnings to customers of the risks involved in using a vape unit. If there are no warnings or the warnings are inaccurate, the manufacturer may be liable for any injuries.
If you have been injured by a vape unit, contact Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at the Schnitzer Law Firm. You can arrange for a no-obligation consultation by calling 702-960-4050, emailing contact@theschnitzerlawfirm.com or filling out the easy form online.