In February 2016, Daniel Anderson was carrying a spare e-cigarette battery, his keys, and some coins in his left front pocket. When the metal items made contact, it caused a short to the outside of the battery. The resulting explosion caused chemical and thermal burns to Mr. Anderson’s left leg and hands.
He has filed suit against a vaping shop, which sold him the battery, as well as the battery’s distributor, VapeUSA Corporation. The lawsuit claims the companies knew or should have known that a design defect made the type of battery Mr. Anderson bought dangerous for use in e-cigarettes. Additionally, Mr. Anderson alleged they also failed to warn customers of the risks.
According to a 2017 U.S. Fire Administration report, at least 195 fires and explosions and 133 injuries related to e-cigarettes happened in the U.S. between 2009 and 2016. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products has identified over 250 cases of e-cigarettes overheating, catching fire, or exploding between 2009 and 2017. On its website, the FDA suggests users keep loose batteries in a case so they don’t come into contact with metal objects and short circuit.
When someone is injured or dies as a result of a product defect, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for injuries that occurred as a result of a product defect.