Over 150 e-cigarette explosions have been reported and a growing number of lawsuits have been filed by people with severe injuries. In October 2015, a jury in California awarded $1.9 million in the first case to go to trial.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E-Cigarette induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Dozens of Lawsuits Filed Over E-Cigarette Explosions
July 2016 — E-cigarettes manufacturers are facing dozens of lawsuits from people who were injured by exploding lithium-ion batteries. One lawyer said, “It’s an issue of the batteries being unregulated and manufactured haphazardly with poor warnings that never get down to the consumer.” Click here to read more.
$1.9 Million Jury Award in 1st E-Cig Explosion Trial
In October 2015, a jury in California awarded $1.9 million to Jennifer Ries, a woman who suffered 2nd-degree burns on her legs, buttocks, and hand after a VapCig e-cigarette exploded on her car charger.
Man In Coma After E-Cig Blows Up in His Face
A man from Florida was put in a medically-induced coma after an e-cigarette exploded in his face, leaving him with severe internal and external burns. The family’s attorney believes the problem was the lithium-ion battery. Now, he is warning others about the risk:
“These things are deadly. I thought I was gonna die. It went like a pipe bomb. My skin was charred. Eyebrows burned off. Eyelashes burned off.”
Investigation Finds Over 150 Reports of E-Cig Explosions
An investigation by eCigOne.com discovered 159 news reports of e-cigarette explosions since August 2009, which likely underestimates the actual number of incidents.
About 44% of those incidents occurred during charging and 25% occurred during use. At least 93 reports involved burn injuries, including 3rd-degree burns that required skin grafts. Other serious incidents included:
- Broken teeth
- Blindness
- Finger amputation
- Jaw wired shut
- Drivers losing control of vehicles
- House fires
- Luggage exploding on planes
- And more
What is the problem?
Lithium-ion batteries pack a lot of power in a small size, making them ideal for handheld electronic devices. The problem is that e-cigarette batteries explode much more easily and frequently than the batteries in your cellphone and laptop.
The difference is that e-cigarette batteries come in a metal cylinder that is weakest on the ends — unlike your phone battery, which comes in a hard plastic case.
The battery contains a highly-flammable liquid that can boil when the e-cigarette is overheated. Overcharging and overheating increases pressure inside the battery and causes it to ignite and explode. Even minor damage to the seal can cause it to shoot across a room like a bullet.
FEMA: “Flaming Rockets” When Battery Fails
In October 2014, FEMA issued a report (PDF) on e-cigarette fires and explosions. The agency reviewed 25 reports, including nine that resulted in severe burn injuries. The agency warned that e-cigarettes can behave like “flaming rockets” and potentially fly across the room and ignite rugs, bedding, drapes, couches, or vehicle seats.
What Should I Do?
- Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or purse – fires can occur if the battery contacts something metal (keys, coins, etc.) or it is damaged
- Do not charge it on a computer or “standard” USB
- Do not use any other charger except the one that comes with your e-cigarette
- Do not use damaged batteries
- Do not use mods
- Watch out for counterfeit products with poor quality
Do I have an E-Cigarette Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E-Cigarette induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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