Exploding vape batteries have severely burned dozens of people. Other incidents include finger amputations, horrific eye injuries, blindness, broken teeth, lacerations, car accidents, and more.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting vape explosion induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been burned by an exploding vape battery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Indiana Man Files Vape Explosion Lawsuit
In July 2020, a lawsuit was filed by a man from Goshen, Indiana after he was injured by a vape battery that exploded in his pocket. The plaintiff, Shawn F., accuses Samsung SDI and Vapor Works as defendants. He claims they should have known that the battery was not actually safe for vapes, but marketed it toward vape users and retailers.
$1.9 Million Awarded in Vape Explosion Lawsuit
In October 2015, a jury in California awarded $1.9 million by a jury in California. The victim victim suffered 2nd-degree burns when the vape battery she plugged into her car charger exploded.
Vape Explosions
In April 2016, an investigation by eCigOne.com found 159 news media reports of vape explosions since 2009. Severe burns were the most commonly-reported injury.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Nearly all e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or “vapes” are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries may look like a standard AA, but they deliver a significantly higher current. Many vapes are capable of heating an atomizer to over 400ºF within seconds, which is necessary to vaporize liquid nicotine.
Inside a Vape Battery
Vape batteries come in metal cylinders. Inside the cylinder are alternating layers of positive and negative electrodes. They are separated by a porous film that is soaked in highly-flammable liquid electrolytes.
Why Do Vapes Explode?
Vape battery explosions are constructed and used much differently from lithium-ion batteries in other handheld electronic devices. They are much more likely to explode than the batteries in your phone or laptop, which are enclosed in a hard plastic case. In comparison, vape batteries come in a metal cylinder that is weakest on its ends.
Overheating and Overcharging
Never charge a vape battery overnight or leave it unattended. Overheating the batteries can boil the highly-flammable liquids inside the cylinder, which can increase pressure and cause it to explode. The explosion looks like a firework or small “rocket.” It can also spray metal shrapnel like a bullet.
Incompatible Chargers
Most vape batteries are recharged on a “standard” USB port, but that doesn’t mean you can plug it into your laptop or a universal port. Only use the charger that came with your vape — other products may have different voltage and current, which can overcharge the batteries.
Carrying Loose Batteries
Never carry a loose vape battery in your pocket or purse. Always use a case that does not contain any other metal objects, and be sure batteries are not touching each other. Metal objects like keys or coins can damage a battery or cause it to overheat and explode.
Do I have a Vape Explosion Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting vape explosion induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been burned or injured by an exploding vape battery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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