Whether you enjoy the flavors available in an e-cigarette or vape to help you quit smoking, you may find it to be a pleasant experience that you suggest to others. You definitely wouldn’t be alone in your enjoyment. Vaping has become a popular pastime across California and the rest of the country.
Because it’s become so popular, many companies have begun offering knock-off and aftermarket products, including the lithium-ion batteries used in many of these devices. When these batteries fail, it can mean serious injuries for the e-cig owner. In these cases, a California defective product attorney should be consulted as you may be entitled to compensation.
Exploding Batteries
There have been numerous reports in recent years of bad batteries exploding in the pockets, hands, or mouths of vapers. These victims suffered from burns, holes in their tongues, and knocked out teeth, among other terrible injuries. The Federal Aviation Association even banned travelers from packing their vaping products in their luggage in 2015 because of the risk of fire.
In the cabin of an airplane, the pressure can build to the point that an e-cig device can explode, with pieces of it becoming projectiles that can injure fellow passengers. Even outside of the pressurized area, like the cargo hold, knock-off and aftermarket batteries can explode and cause fires if they are not properly sealed or the casings are cracked.
And it’s not just pressure that is a problem. Non-approved, third-party charging cords can overcharge a device and cause the battery to overheat. This can also lead to fires and explosions. For this reason, only the original charging cord that came with your vaping device should be used. If you’re injured due to a faulty charging cord, call a California personal injury attorney to discuss a claim.
How to Protect Yourself?
As mentioned above, stick to the charging cord that came with your device. You also want to purchase your device from a known and reputable company. Battery replacements should come from the same company from which you purchased the original product to be sure it’s a legitimate brand. Batteries and e-cig devices should never be stored near metal, including the change in your pocket. Doing so can cause a short circuit.
If you have a tank system or cartridge attached to your device, the risk of short-circuiting is reduced, but you should always turn your unit off before transport if the option is available. For safety’s sake, it’s also recommended to keep your e-cig and batteries in carrying cases. Vaping devices can be quite dangerous when not handled properly, but by taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself a world of hurt.
No matter what you do, sometimes accidents happen. Batteries may burst into flames or explode, causing you serious injury. Even after recovery, you could be facing permanent disfigurement or disability. In these instances, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation against the responsible party.
If you’ve been injured by an e-cigarette due to someone else’s negligence, contact the law team at Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation. Our California personal injury lawyer will help you attain the compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills and move forward with your life. Call us today at 818-783-5757 for a free consultation.