Exploding e-cigarettes: What you need to know

Our Blog | October 20, 2016

Millions of people switched to e-cigarettes or “vapes” in recent years to continue delivering nicotine, but with minimal danger to themselves.

Now they are learning that this “safe alternative” can severely burn or poison them.

E-cigarettes are regulated by The Food and Drug Administration – but only when they are sold for therapeutic benefit. For the non-therapeutic user, the e-cigarette is a completely unregulated product. In particular,

the FDA does not regulate the batteries, which are emerging as the root cause of the most serious injuries.

Why e-cigarettes explode

E-cigarettes rely on lithium ion batteries – the same chemistry underlying the phenomenon of exploding Samsung smartphones.

When an e-cig explodes, the lithium-ion battery is what explodes. It can occur because of defective manufacture, defective design, puncture, exposure to heat or by misuse – users sometimes overcharge the battery or they use the wrong charger for that device.

Injuries range from moderate to severe, and are similar to fire burns. Some victims experience facial burns, hair loss and damage to skin. In some cases, the fire spreads and burns a significant part of the body.

How e-cigarettes poison

The Centers for Disease Control pulls no punches in its warning about e-cigarette poisoning. The nicotine fluid cartridges in an e-cigarette, if ingested, can lead to can cause seizures, violent headaches, vomiting, eye irritation, dry cough, shortness of breath and asthmatic wheezing. In children, ingestion of even a teaspoon of this fluid can be fatal.

In the case of explosion or toxification, our lawyers have the knowledge and the experience to obtain maximum compensation for you. This includes:

  • Your hospital bills
  • Wages you were unable to earn
  • Loss of quality of life
  • The pain and suffering the injury caused you
  • Emotional distress
  • Disfigurement, including the cost of plastic surgery

Most personal injury lawyers are not equipped to identify the maker of these devices. There are hundreds, most of them located in China. We have the capability to track these companies down and exact payment for your losses. We also file suits against distributors and marketers in this country.

If someone you love has been hurt or poisoned, call us at Rosenthal Law. We will examine your case and propose legal action, at no charge to you and with no obligation to go further.