. In April 2019, the two fire captains responded to a call at a facility that was housing thousands of lithium-ion batteries used to store energy for a power grid. Find out if your family may be eligible for a Tylenol autism or ADHD settlement. More specifically, the lithium-ion battery inside the device exploded. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries can short-circuit and explode. A 2017 U.S. report said it's clear that lithium-ion batteries are not "a safe source of energy" for vaping pens. In addition, some vape pens simply have a poor design that can malfunction and cause a lithium battery fire. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Tap Water Supply: Report. White vapor or fog around APS ESU in Surprise, AZ (Fire Dept photos from UL, 2020). All vape batteries run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (LiPo) cells. That same year, the Associated Press reported the first known death in the United States caused by an explodingvapebattery, which killed a 38-year-old Florida man. A lithium-ion battery fire is a fire that occurs when a lithium battery overheats. An e-cigarette lawyer is a trained and skilled personal injury attorney. Dont charge them overnight, or leave the house when theyre charging. The components of vape pens are often imported and not held to any regulatory standards. Lithium-Ion Batteries Nearly all e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or "vapes" are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Good 18650 batteries cost $6-12 each. The thin plastic cover that prevents the metal body of the battery (the can) from making contact with the sides of the devices battery chamber can get torn. What Causes Vape Battery Explosions? If youre holding the device to your mouth when it explodes, the damage can be severe and life-threatening. Settlement benefits may be available. T wo Lithium batteries overheated resulting in fire and smoke while inside of a crewmember 's flight suit pocket. When vaping devices explode, the result can be severe injuries, including a broken jaw, burns, and disfigurement. Unlike the rechargeable battery program, which is funded by battery and battery-powered product manufacturers, there is currently no national stewardship . The biggest dangers are mishandling the batteries themselves, and mechanical mods with no safety circuitry in the hands of inexperienced users. Duringthe spring or summer of 2021, Kovacpurchased a "Voopoo DragX" vaporizer device,manufactured by Shenzhen Woody, and a lithium-ion battery manufactured by LG Corporation from Cold Turkey Vape Shop'sEdmonton Street location, the lawsuit says. Idk who to contact about sueing but if someone could hit me up. In the case of a vape pen battery explosion, its not difficult to prove that an explosion is unintentional. I have been advised today that this requires surgery and skin graphs to fix. This is all bs lives mean more then money its all fun and games until it happens to someone u know and love. Jan 5, 2023 | 3 min read What Causes Lithium Batteries to Explode? Thats where we need to start playing catch-up.. These With such explosion hazards, its incredibly important that we get firefighters to understand how to operate safely, Kerber said. The firefighters suspected that it was some kind of chemical cocktail. Hunter Clare and Justin Lopez, who work for the fire department in Peoria, Arizona, have firsthand experience of the hazards. Did you read the article? [2]Earlier this year, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Texas alleging that shortly after the decedent purchased an electronic cigarette, it exploded while he used it in the store parking lot, causing shrapnel to lacerate a major artery, eventually causing his death. "We never got to see our son to say goodbye," said Chris D'Elia of his only child, Wake, who was killed when his vaping device exploded. The lawsuit is similar to other lawsuits over lithium ion battery explosions filed in recent years as a result of serious consumer injuries and death. None of the allegations have been proven in court, and statements of defence have not yet been filed. An investigation revealed that the battery was what's called an 18650. Many experienced severe burns to their legs, arms and hands. Firstly, for all documented/reported explosions during 2016, the breakdown is: Blaming unregulated/mechs for a problem that exists across the board is just wrong. They contain electrical components and can short circuit. A lithium-ion battery can cause serious dangers to victims, including permanent injuries. What are common injuries from Vape & E-Cigarette Explosions This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The rise of electric scooters in cities has led to a massive spike in battery fires. "Austin came in with his hand up to his mouth," Burton, 45, told NBC News. Dont wait to obtain and collect evidence The most crucial pieces of tangible evidence will not just be the battery and vape device itself. Military service members between 2003 and 2015 may be eligible for a 3M earplug lawsuit payout over hearing damage or tinnitus. However, it is possible to get a lemonespecially if you buy cheap batteries, which are often rewrapped, low-quality cells. You dont have to show that the manufacturer was careless or reckless as they went about their activities. Discover the new SMOK G-Priv 3 230W Starter Kit, a continuation of the industry's most coveted Touch-Screen seriesintegratingdual 18650 battery layout, fast-firing IQ-G Chip, and paired with TFV16 LITE Sub-Ohm Tank with nexMesh Technology. Jack Bernstein is a hard-working and highly motivated personal injury attorney in Miami, Florida with over three decades of experience. Exploding battery lawsuits are strict liability and common law negligence products liability matters. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in many products such as electronics, toys, wireless headphones, handheld power tools, small and large appliances, electric vehicles and electrical energy storage systems. When a vape pen explodes, it can seriously injure the user and cause lasting complications. engulfed a multifamily home in Brockton, Massachusetts. The blast was so severe that it blew pieces of the vape into the man's face, breaking several teeth. FDA Center for Tobacco Products researchers found that 77.3 percent of burns caused by vaping accidents were to the upper leg and lower trunkthe location of the hip pocket. External short circuits in some cases can actually be caused by prolonged contact with items such as keys, loose change, and other metallic objects, which unsurprisingly are commonly found in the same pockets consumers keep these batteries. The type of treatment will vary from person to person depending on the type and severity of the injuries. Thee-cigarette explosionscan be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the battery, recharging the battery too fast, using after-market chargers, improper disposal, high heat, or after being placed in a pocket with other metal items. Vaping vs. Nearly two hours passed before the firefighters made their way to the front door of the facility. Lithium actually will ignite on contact with water. The defendants named in the suit are Winnipeg's Cold Turkey Vape Shop, Shenzhen Woody Vapes Technologywhich is based in Shenzhen, China as well as LG Electronics Canada andits South Korea-based parent company,LG Corporation. Such events are extremely rare, but they do happen. Some fire departments in Arizona and elsewhere have added a new tool to fight these kinds of fires: a chemical additive specially designed to absorb heat and put down certain kinds of blazes. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used in portable electronics such as cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, and relevant here - electronic nicotine and THC delivery systems, like electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and other electronic vaping devices. David Paredes is a producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit. Two e-cigarette explosions have proven fatal. And cannot walk very well. All Call2Recycle drop-off locations accept used rechargeable batteries with most accepting used cellphones. :/ You did not say that either?! Vaping is hurting teenage athletes, dashing their future in sports, Never use a battery that has been damaged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Battery Wraps Battery wraps are a great way to stay protected when using a vape battery. Frequently defendants will additionally include the manufacturer of the vaping device itself, retailers, and distributors. JUUL devices, which resemble small computer flash drives, do not appear to carry this risk. Lawyers are reviewing Cartiva lawsuits for individuals who experienced complications after receiving the toe implant. A recent fire in Randolph County, WV was caused by a lithium battery explosion from a cordless power tool, causing a fire that destroyed numerous tools. Lopez had a collapsed lung, broken ribs, a broken leg, separated shoulder, laceration of the liver and multiple thermal and chemical burns, according to the report. First, immediately get the medical attention you need. Injuries related to vape pens, such as burns and explosions, may be more common than previously understood. Ms . Beyond those safety measures, Conley said anyone using a mechanical mod to vape must be educated about voltage, current and resistance. Regular exposure to chemicals in hair relaxer may cause uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and other injuries. They can take action on your behalf to build the scientific evidence that you need to win the case. Moreover, its important to keep in mind that unlike their use in laptops or cellphones, with electronic vapor devices, the batteries are used specifically to create the high heat needed to create vapor. Anyone can report any undesired health or quality problems with a vape, including fires or explosions, to FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal. When a vape pen hurts you, you simply have to show that the vape pen exploded. The battery reportedly had a short circuit on coming into contact with coins in the man's pocket. "This child had a blast injury to his lower jaw, as well as burns around his lip," said Dr. Katie Russell, one of the trauma surgeons who treated Adams. The battery manufacturer should mark the battery with the rating for continuous use. He will be indefinitely "deprived of the normal appearance of his left leg," the lawsuit claims. Product liability laws put the legal responsibility on the product manufacturer to create and sell safe products. Anything more and they can become unstable. Beware of potentially facing liability for a knockoff. Clare was thrown about 70 feet, his body in flames. She did. Few consumers know this, but the lithium batteries in e-cigarettes can suffer electrical shorts and explode, causing serious injury to anyone in the vicinity. Russell and a colleague described the case Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The author of that report, Larry McKenna, said lithium-ion batteries contain two thin plates separated by a sponge saturated with a combustible liquid similar to kerosene in terms of flammability. Make sure to ask. But rarely is an e-cig explosion or fire the fault of the seller or manufacturer. He is a strategist and idea person, with a genuine passion for helping his firms clients. Fortunately, consumers do have legal . I had a vape explode and catch fire in my car while driving. This webpage is not intended to be an advertisement or solicitation. They happen when a battery overheats and the chemicals and gasses escape the battery rapidly. There may be added dangers, for example, if a vape battery catches fire or explodes near flammable gasses or liquids, such as oxygen, propane, or gasoline. I have burns on my leg from the explosion. Generally speaking, vapers who follow basic principles of battery safety are at low risk for e-cigarette fires or explosions. That's because the act of taking 18650s in and out of vaping devices or chargers can damage the cell's insulating wrapper, compromising the safety of the battery, Kerchner said. But maybe I can help somebody else so they don't have to go through this agony.". An e-cigarette had exploded in his mouth. Austin raced in, holding his bloodied jaw. Nine devices from these companies received the UL mark. Products, Ingredients & Components, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, Chemicals in Cigarettes: From Plant to Product to Puff, Cigars, Cigarillos, Little Filtered Cigars, Menthol and Other Flavors in Tobacco Products, Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs), Hookah Tobacco (Shisha or Waterpipe Tobacco), Smokeless Tobacco Products, Including Dip, Snuff, Snus, and Chewing Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Tips to Help Avoid Vape Battery or Fire Explosions. Your call is confidential. You should have it as a piece of evidence to show that it exploded. Lawyers review cases nationwide. Legal actions by victims of vape battery accidents against vape shops and battery manufacturers have become commonplace. The incident had one ironic benefit: He was able to quit smoking for good. The DOT has also determined e-cigarettes may not be used during flight, Stones lawsuit states. Without them, it would be impossible to carry around the smartphones we rely on. The tips below may help you avoid a vape battery fire or explosion. Do not store 18650 batteries in pockets or bags. Batteries at risk are generally purchased by vaping distributors from off-shore manufacturers. Get to Federal Court Often there will be complete diversity in battery cases, especially when the retailer is unknown or not part of the case, allowing for removal to federal court. E-cigarette users have reported battery explosions occurring during vaping, while stored in their pockets, and while plugged in and recharging. Retain an expert if necessary and confirm that you are the actual manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the battery or associated product at issue. With experience in personal injury cases, they can apply their training to ensure that you have the right evidence and that you assert it in a way that makes a compelling case. In severe cases, the victim of a lithium-ion explosion may need to be admitted to a specialized burn unit and extensive surgery may be required. If a vape pen has injured you, you may deserve financial compensation. Sometimes batteries are marked 30 amp, for example, when the battery is only capable of handling 30 amps for a few seconds, rather than for continuous use. Jim McDonald May 11, 2023 10 There was a time when e-cigarette explosions and fires ruled the news. But worry not, your Elf Bar is probably safe to use considering you bought it from a trusted store, and provided that you know how to handle it properly. The result can be an explosion. If the batteries are manufactured correctly, handled correctly and integrated into the devices correctly, they work fine, according to most experts. The force of the blast was so powerful that doctors said it "vaporized" some of the teen's gum tissue, knocked out teeth and broke his jaw. Just last week, the FDA finalized guidance for manufacturers who are submitting new applications for tobacco products, which includes e-cigarettes. When lithium batteries explode, the result may be burns, disfigurement, and broken bones. The incident, which occurred in March 2018, also tore a hole through the Adams's gums. FDA Outlines Hernia Surgery Mesh Complications and Risks For Consumers Making Treatment Decisions, Philips DreamStation CPAP Problems Result in Litigation for Manufacturer in U.S. and Abroad, Marine Corps Firefighter Files Lawsuit Over Prostate Cancer from Firefighter Foam. In reality, most vaping electrical accidents are actually spare battery accidentsnot equipment failuresand theyre usually caused by user error. The crewmember received 2nd and 3rd degree . When they opened it, a large cloud escaped the building. A defective battery charger can also overcharge cells. So far this year, electric bike batteries have been identified as the cause of three fires in New York. "One of the key criteria for this standard is that the battery, like the 18650 commonly used in these devices, cannot be removed by the customer," said Michael Sakamoto, senior business development manager at UL. An e-cigarette lawyer can represent you and help you build your case when youre hurt because of an e-cigarette. [3] Lydia Zacarias and Steven Thomas Brown, Individually as Heirs at Law, and as Representative of the Estate of William Eric Brown, Deceased, 153rd Judicial District of Tarrant County, Texas, Cuase Number 153-303073 (2019). The batteries can explode due to a short circuit generating excessive heat and in turn growing internal pressure until the battery ruptures. Lithium-ion batteries in vape pens are a significant danger to the public. The chambers that hold the chemicals inside the cell can be damaged and create a dangerous internal reaction. A lithium battery can explode or burst into flames due to various reasons, including: Manufacturing defects Use of low-quality materials Product design defects Incorrect assembly of the battery Lack of proper insulation Inadequate ventilation Improper storage Improper charging Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Manufacturers should take this very seriously," Sakamoto told NBC News. Both men suffered severe injuries, including brain trauma. When you fill out the form, please be sure to include: Learn more about how to report a battery explosion to the FDA in the video below. "It's an underestimate. That's nearly two visits a day over that three-year period. Most charging problems can be avoided by charging batteries only when youre present in the same room. The 18650 cylindrical cell is sometimes used to power electronic cigarettes, and has been implicated in explosions. Don't vape around flammable gasses or liquids, such as oxygen, propane, or gasoline. "He died instantly. Vape pens use lithium-ion batteries, favoured in smartphones and other portable electronic devices because they can provide high amounts of electricity using little space. Stones lawyers claim in the lawsuit that defendant LG inadequately designed and manufactured its 18650 lithium-ion batteries, which could be subject to short circuits and thermal runaway, which occurs when the materials inside the battery ignite. The FDA recommends making sure your e-cigarette has certain safety features, such as firing-button locks and holes for ventilation. Vape explosion settlements are a way for a victim to receive compensation when theyre injured because of a vape pen. 35 million people in the U.S. still smoke them and almost a half-million still die prematurely from doing it. A large majority of vaping explosions are in reality caused by loose batteries carried in pants pockets, not by vaping devices at all. Batteries that have been submerged in water should also be replaced. Because vaping skeptics want to believe the worst about vapingand nothing makes that easier than seeing a vaper with their pants literally on firethey dismiss the facts about battery accidents as the convenient excuses of vaping evangelists. Only use batteries recommended for your device. Another issue is counterfeit batteries, which are low-quality or inappropriate cells rewrapped with high-quality brands labels. Skirko specializes in facial trauma, such as dog bites, a kick to the face from a horse, or injuries from ATV accidents. A true,cloud-kicking vape combination that will leave other vaper's befuddled from the decadent billowy clouds while maintaining high . A test lithium battery fire by the Fire Safety Research Institute, in which a battery with disabled safety features created a violent explosion. As for vaping being done away with just like cigaretteswell, cigarettes ARENT being done away with. Tips to Help Avoid Vape Battery or Fire Explosions You may have heard that e-cigarettes, or vapes, can catch on fire or explode and seriously hurt people. How to Vape Delta 8 the Right Way, Delta 8 Side Effects: What You Should Know, Delta 8 Distillate: What It Is & Best Ways to Consume It, How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last: Vape Carts, Edibles & Tinctures, Smokers created vaping without help from the tobacco industry or anti-smoking crusaders, and I believe vapers have the right to continue innovating to help themselves. The good news is that high-quality batteries hold a charge longer and take more charges during their lifetime than cut-rate batteries. They're also found in residential solar energy systems. "Thats where we have our biggest concern.". Another cause of shorted batteries is damaged battery wraps. VGOD did not immediately respond to requests for comments. One of the main challenges facing plaintiffs in these cases is identification of the actual products at issue both the battery and vaping device. When u see it in the news its not fake and kills for real there buddy this should be done away with just like cigarettes u want nicotine get a patch, Im not sure what youre saying. Usually there is no advanced warning of explosion and plaintiffs will simply claim that there was nothing wrong with the product and they were either using it as normal, or simply had it in their pocket, when it unexpectedly exploded exactly what is alleged in the Suffolk County, New York lawsuit. A CT scan shows extensive damage done to a 17-year-old's jaw when an e-cigarette exploded in his mouth. Our aggressive Miami personal injury lawyers can help. Just as there has been a rapid rise in the use of electronic cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery systems, or ENDS) and electronic THC delivery devices, so too has there been a rise in litigation involving instances of exploding lithium ion batteries and related personal injury lawsuits. Its rare that an expert is interviewed to explain what actually happened. Those people have the right to save their own lives in whatever manner they choose,Read more . If your vape did not come with instructions or you have questions, contact the manufacturer. "The hallmark of the devices is that the batteries need to be taken out and charged," said Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association. The woman who filed the lawsuit alleged she was severely injured after one of the company's lithium-ion batteries in her vaping device exploded in her pocket in 2018. "If you are going to use a mechanical mod you need to learn battery safety," Conley added. The overwhelming majority of adverse events have linked lithium ion battery problems to faulty manufacturing processes, where the batteries are made without a high degree of quality control. Information from consumers about vape fires or explosions can help FDA to address these problems. Until then, attention to battery safety practices can eliminate most accidents. Vape and e-cigarette shop owners warn that if your battery is . Products may be counterfeit, and they may contain loose batteries. Joel Addison Stone filed the complaint (PDF) in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana on April 16, indicating the battery manufacturer LG Chem sold defective and unreasonably dangerous lithium ion batteries, which were subject to thermal runaway that may cause battery to overheat and explode. In September 2015, a jury awarded $1.9 million in damages as part of one of the first e-cigarette explosion lawsuits filed in the U.S., after a woman was caught in a car fire and badly burned when her e-cigarette battery caught ignited while charging. Last October, a global independent safety science company, Underwriters Laboratories, announced the first safety standard for the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems for e-cigarettes. This technology, in my mind, is going to reduce death and disease in the long run," he told NBC News. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 2023 Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, All Rights Reserved. "The incidents that we've seen generally involve vaping devices that use the drop-in 18650s," said George Kerchner, executive director of The Rechargeable Battery Association, known as PRBA. Fortunately, the fire was contained in a detached garage. [6] July 2017 FEMA Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions in the United States 2009-2016, Litigating the Electronic Vape Device Exploding Battery Case. Its website states, "Beware of re-branded batteries claiming to have 'high output' many of these are counterfeit and will fail.". Batteries are mass-produced and tested in the factory. A lithium battery can explode without feeling hot and without any warning to the user. There was a time when e-cigarette explosions and fires ruled the news. E-cigarette explosions occur when the lithium-ion battery inside a vape pen overheats, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The injuries may require surgery and facial reconstruction. ", Erika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and "TODAY.". To those whose vaping knowledge is based solely on alarming news stories, e-cigarette thermal events like fires and explosions may seem like common occurrences, but they are actually very rare. There is mounting evidence the explosions and fires caused by e-cigarettes and lithium ion batteries are increasing in occurrence. Since the current generation of lithium-ion batteries is the root cause of these incidents, it is clear that these batteries are not a safe source of energy for these devices. The source of the gasses that are creating the flames is confined within a cell battery that will not allow water in, said Ofodike Ezekoye, a fire scientist and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Therefore, the top vape brands use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Rakin Hamad Associate Attorney Curcio Law 703-836-3366 Contact Rakin Lithium-ion batteries are light, rechargeable, and can be sized to fit nearly any device. Theyre sold everywhere and governments around the world (including in all 50 states) depend on cigarette sales for tax revenue. Then they waited until the vapors stopped flowing out of the building and the levels of flammable gas dropped. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Any temperature fluctuations on either side of that window could result in serious malfunctions. [5] Underwriters Laboratories is a global safety certification company, and is an industry standard in product safety certification across the world, for a multitude of products including electrical equipment and electronic products. They are a thin but durable layer that covers the positive side of your battery. A lithium-ion vape battery explodes when it becomes too hot. They are lightweight, cheap, have good electrochemical potential, and great battery density. Clothing, cartridges, and even the contents of the plaintiffs pockets could all be valuable to defendants and their experts to determine exactly what caused an explosion. 2nd IEEE Conference on Energy Internet and Energy System Integration (2018) 13: 978-1-5386- 8549-5. "The public health benefit far outweighs any risk to the public. Typical vape batteries, like 18650s, are intended to operate at 3.7 volts, but they are capable of being charged to 4.1 or 4.2 volts. Serious and life-threatening injuries have been linked to problems with Bard PowerPort. He has since fully recovered from the injury. The best vape battery chargers have overcharge protection that prevents charging beyond the highest capacity of the battery cells. One of the many dangers of vaping is the explosion of a vape pen. "He didnt recall doing anything wrong with the device beforehand, and it just exploded.". Safe batteries, Explosion and fire test!. What You Need to Know About Vape Pen Battery Explosions. To avoid rewrapped and counterfeit batteries, buy only from reputable battery dealersnever from eBay or sellers youve never heard ofand choose well-known brands with appropriate amp ratings and specs. Of course, documentation of your injuries is important evidence, too. Women diagnosed with cancer may be eligible for settlement benefits. According to a 2017 report published by the United States Fire Administration, lithium-ion batteries in vapes present a new and unique hazard. Philips faces increasing legal concerns in Europe over its recalled Philips DreamStation CPAP devices, which have been linked to deaths there as well as in the U.S. A U.S. Marine says exposure to firefighting foam for 20 years in the military led to a prostate cancer diagnosis. Water contamination at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 caused cancers, birth defects, miscarriages and other side effects for U.S. Marines and their family members. Its a much better medium for cooling.. 00:00 01:59 Vape Explosions In April 2016, an investigation by eCigOne.com found 159 news media reports of vape explosions since 2009. Always use a protective case, sold in most vape shops, for storage. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule banning e-cigarettes from checked bags on airplanes because they have been known to catch fire. Thats double the amount of battery fires in 2021, according to the New York City Fire Department. Some Vape/E-Cigarette shops may have a recycling program. Loose batteries should never be kept anywhere they can come into contact with metal objects.

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