From 2009 to 2014, the U.S. Fire Administration found 25 media reports of explosion and fire involving electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Without regulation, this number keeps growing. People are demanding justice as dozens file suits against manufacturers in New York, Florida, California and other states.
About Electronic Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs or vape are an electronic nicotine delivery system that produces a heated vapor, resembling smoke. In 2007, they came on the market. Now, more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. are using them.
Using a heating element, the device vaporizes a liquid solution, which can deliver various levels of nicotine. Some activate the heating coil automatically when a user takes a drag from the device. Some are manual. Many use a lithium-ion battery to power the device.
E-Cig Explosions
E-cigarette models mentioned in lawsuits include those made by Chinese companies Sigelei, iPV Technology Co., and Kangertech. In many cases, researchers trace explosions to the lithium ion batteries that power the device. Also, manufacturers knew these batteries could cause similar problems in other electronics. This is why airlines, for instance, have banned hoverboards after their devices caught fire and exploded. Even iPhone owners had the same problem while charging their phone with third party charges.
Lack of Regulation
Currently, there are few studies into how many electronic cigarettes are exploding. The reason there aren’t more studies into e-cigarette safety is that the FDA only started regulating last year. They immediately started the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) mandates that those intending to manufacture, import, package, label, advertise, promote, sell and distribute must adhere to.
Regulations include restricting sales of e-cigarettes to customers age 18 and older, reporting detailed ingredient lists, providing tobacco health documentation, posting warning statements on packaging and advertisements that state potential risks, among other rules.
However, regulations did not begin soon enough. Without previous regulators, manufacturers do not have to report safety defects. Low-cost, low-quality devices are flooding the market. This causes, even more, devices to be susceptible to explosion.
Current Litigation
Because e-cigarettes carry a multitude of risks, there are a number of different litigations possible. Even if an electronic cigarette hasn’t injured you yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The manufacturers didn’t even warn it could happen.
If an e-cig explodes, injured persons should seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Jennifer Ries did, and a California jury awarded her $1.9 million. She suffered second-degree burns when her electronic cigarette exploded.
We Want to Help Victims
Therefore, if you were seriously burned by an exploding electronic cigarette, you may have a claim against the manufacturers of the device and battery. This means you may be able to recoup damages from your injury.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is experienced in product liability claims. Our law firm has an experienced team of trial lawyers who focus on the representation of plaintiffs in electronic cigarette lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new electronic cigarette injury and death cases in all 50 states.