Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have grown in popularity and are often marketed as being safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes. The reality, however, is that these products carry their own significant, and potentially deadly, health risks. And while the companies that make and distribute these products are aware of those risks, the public is not adequately informed of them.
When companies produce a dangerous product without taking reasonable steps to protect its consumers from the danger, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries. This is why having a dedicated personal injury lawyer is essential. Let Rosen Hagood fight for you and your family.
What Are E-Cigarettes and Vapes?
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, go by a variety of names. According to the American Cancer Society, these devices are sometimes called:
- E-cigs
- Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
- Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems (ANDS)
- E-hookahs
- Mods
- Vape pens
- Vaporizers
- Vapes
- Tank systems
These devices are typically powered by an internal lithium-ion battery. The battery may be automatically activated when the user inhales or manually activated by pressing a button. The capacity of the battery varies and is measured in milliampere-hour, or mAh, units. A higher mAh translates to more available power for the e-cigarette, although batteries with more mAh tend to be larger and heavier.
Can E-Cigarettes Explode?
Explosions are a major problem with e-cigarettes and are not as uncommon as users may believe. From 2009 to 2016, there were 195 incidents of exploding e-cigarettes, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Of these, 133 users were injured. Several users have even been killed by these explosions in recent years.
Why Do E-Cigarettes Explode?
Overheating and combustion of the lithium-ion battery is typically to blame for explosions. The batteries contain highly flammable substances that may combine to create heat and pressure, which can lead to a fire and explosion. A damaged, defective, or incorrect-fitting battery could put the user at risk. Any e-cigarette that uses a lithium-ion battery can theoretically catch fire and explode, although injury reports have specifically mentioned the following brands of vape pens and batteries:
- CoilART Mage
- eGo
- iJoy
- Kangertech
- Wismec Reuleaux RX200
- Wotopho’s Phantom
- Sigelei Fuchai 213
- SMOK
- Ampking battery
- Aspire battery
- EFest battery
- LG battery
- Samsung battery
What To Do If Your E-Cigarette Explodes
Exploding e-cigarette devices can cause serious injury and should be treated as an emergency. Obtain immediate medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations. You may need to see a burn specialist who can treat your injuries. Be sure you don’t miss any appointments and keep all of your medical records.
Once you get the treatment you need, begin documenting what happened. Make notes of the explosion itself including the date, time, and events leading up to and immediately after the incident. Take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, the products, and anything else that you believe is relevant to what happened. Also be sure to preserve the e-cigarette device itself along with any containers or wrappings it came in and the proof of purchase. Keep these items in a safe place.
Finally, contact an attorney who is experienced in this practice area and who can help you demand compensation for your injuries.
How Can Rosen Hagood Help?
Companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell dangerous and defective products are required to take certain steps to keep the public safe. Those that fail to do so are considered negligent in unreasonably endangering their consumers. Depending on the nature of your specific injuries, you may have a claim against the company that made and/or sold the e-cigarette. A personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of your case and advise you as to your rights.
Generally, there are three ways to hold an e-cigarette company liable for consumers’ injuries. They include:
- Defective design. This means the product is unsafe because of a design flaw that caused injury or health problems.
- Manufacturing defect. Even if the product is safely designed, a mistake made during the manufacturing process may have rendered it unsafe.
- Failure to warn. Finally, a safely designed and manufactured device can still be considered defective because the manufacturer (or some other party) failed to properly warn consumers of the risks or instruct them how to safely use the product.
Rosen Hagood’s team of attorneys will review the specific facts and circumstances of your case and work with you to come up with an effective strategy to get you compensation for your injuries.
What Types Of Compensation May Be Available?
Since every e-cigarette and vape lawsuit is different, so too are the potential damages that victims may recover. However, some categories of damages are common to most such lawsuits. Working with a personal injury attorney, you will likely pursue the following:
- Medical expenses, including for past costs incurred and future treatments you may need
- Lost wages due to time missed from work (e.g. for medical appointments and other needs)
- Lost future wages if you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact Our E-Cigarette and Vape Explosion Attorneys Today
Proving both the nature and amount of your damages can be difficult, and you only have one chance to either take your case to trial or settle it out of court with the at-fault party. You deserve a seasoned personal injury lawyer who understands South Carolina dangerous and defective product liability law.
