Several injuries are caused by the use of e-cigarettes and the most severe ones are caused when the cigarettes explode. Injuries from e-cigarette explosions include deep tissue burns, chemical burns, and damage to skin, and bones that require prolonged treatment.
A study published in the year 2018 states that there were more than 2,000 e-cigarette burn injury patients sent to hospitals in the US from the year 2015 to 2017. Numerous teenagers have reported burns from e-cigarette explosions. In this post, our Lafayette personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess list all that you need to know about e-cigarette accidents and injuries:
What Causes E-Cigarettes to Explode?
E-cigarettes make use of a battery-powered heating element that helps in vaporizing nicotine-infused liquids. Current e-cigarettes are powered by ion batteries. If an e-cigarette explodes while it is being used, it may lead to severe head and mouth injuries.
E-cigarettes usually explode because the battery overheats unexpectedly. Often, a flammable portion of the battery ignites, causing a chain reaction inside the cell that generates immense heat, thereby leading to an explosion. When there’s an e-cigarette explosion, apart from instant medical help, it’s advisable to reach out to seasoned attorneys to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Some of the major reasons that cause the battery to fail include:
Manufacturing defects:
Usually, poorly designed cells expand when they get charged. When the battery expands, electrodes bend, thereby causing a short circuit. Unfortunately, even well-designed batteries may fail if there is not enough quality control.
Poor quality chargers:
A poorly insulated charger may lead to an explosion. Also, if a charger generates too much heat near the battery, it can lead to an explosion. Lithium-ion batteries have in-built protections to prevent them from overcharging.
External factors:
When batteries are too close to the source of heat, it may cause the cells to explode. Again, if you drop your batteries too hard, there’s a chance that you will damage the separator, which may ultimately lead to a short circuit.
Major Injuries Caused by E-Cigarette Explosions
Some of the injuries caused by e-cigarette explosions include:
- Loss of skin
- Facial injuries
- Potential brain damage
- Loss of mobility
- Infection from injuries
- Lacerations
- Severe facial and jaw damage
Results of Injuries Caused by E-Cigarettes
Multiple victims have filed e-cigarette lawsuits for all the injuries suffered due to accidents and fires caused by malfunctioning e-cigarettes. Most of the accident victims needed:
- Skin grafts
- Intensive dental work for tooth damage
- Plastic surgery
- Physical and psychological therapy
- Treatment for loss of tissue
Harmful Effects of Vaping
Apart from the explosion, there are multiple harmful effects of vaping. Some of these include:
Nicotine Addiction:
Nicotine in e-cigarettes gets absorbed in the bloodstream directly. Any form of nicotine consumption may lead to addiction.
Serious Lung Disease:
As per numerous scientific studies, aerosol from e-cigarettes may include harmful chemicals such as diacetyl, which in turn, may cause severe lung diseases. Breathing diacetyl may lead to serious scarring of the sensitive air sacs, chronic coughing, and breathing problems.
Heart Attack:
Inhaling nicotine increases the chances of a heart attack.
How Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Though the FDA has come up with its regulations on e-cigarettes and the vaping industry, there are still many regulations for how the product should ideally work and fulfill expectations. If the usage of the products leads to accidents and injuries, it’s essential to seek the assistance of seasoned attorneys to file a successful lawsuit against the negligent party. Our personal injury attorneys in Lafayette have substantial experience in tackling product liability cases concerning the liability of distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers of malfunctioning products. If you or your loved one has suffered an e-cigarette explosion injury, do not hesitate to reach out to our attorneys. Our experienced lawyers can help you navigate through the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch with our attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess at your earliest convenience. Our competent attorneys provide a no-obligation consultation to ensure that your case is on the right track.
Call us at (877) 234-7573
