Personal Injury Attorney
Serving Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Claremont
Americans spend over $2 billion annually on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), battery-powered devices capable of heating a liquid nicotine solution into an inhalable vapor. The more common term to describe this process is “vaping.”
Many people use e-cigarettes under the impression that they are better than traditional cigarettes. People who once smoked combustible cigarettes are flocking to e-cigarettes for the supposed benefits. People who never smoked traditional cigarettes are also vaping under the belief that they are safe, or at least safer, than traditional cigarettes. But e-cigarettes are not safe and may pose problems that warrant contact with a Los Angeles region e-cigarette injury lawyer. For more information or to discuss the steps that you can take, consult with a product liability attorney at our firm today.
Dangers of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are very dangerous and can explode. E-cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries that include flammable liquid electrolytes that can explode when they overheat, such as when they receive too much voltage while charging.
A 2014 U.S. Fire Administration report on Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions found that when e-cigarettes explode, they generally do so when the battery is charging. However, they also found incidents of e-cigarettes exploding while in use.
Issues With E-Cigarette Batteries
Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries generally used in e-cigarettes are made by winding alternating layers of metallic anode and cathode material. These layers are separated by a porous film. In this porous separator film is a liquid electrolyte made of an organic solvent and dissolved lithium salts. This makes up a core that is then inserted into a cylindrical metal container. The container is then sealed tightly so that the liquid electrolyte cannot escape or evaporate. Electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries are flammable or combustible liquids. If the lithium-ion battery overheats, the flammable electrolytes can ignite and explode causing fires and other damage.
People in California have complained about e-cigarettes created by Flawless Vapes & Supplies, LLC, and other manufacturers exploding during use, causing injuries ranging from superficial to severe burns. Luckily, an e-cigarette injury attorney in Los Angeles, Claremont, and Pasadena can help.
Potential Damages of E-Cigarettes
Explosions and fires can cause serious injuries. If your injury was caused by a faulty product, you may be entitled to damages. Economic damages can include past and future medical bills; future wage loss; attendant care costs and vocational training or retraining costs. Other types of damages may include emotional distress; pain and suffering; disfigurement; scarring and loss of capacity to enjoy life.
It’s important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so they can help you assess, document, and address your injuries.
Consulting With a Los Angeles County E-Cigarette Injury Lawyer
The Los Angeles County e-cigarette lawyers at The Law Offices of Scott Glovsky want to understand everything about your injury. We work with experts to assist in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and their cause. From medical specialists to fire accident reconstruction engineers, we bring the right resources for your case.
If you have been the victim of an e-cigarette explosion, contact The Law Office of Scott Glovsky for a free consultation to see if Scott can help you receive compensation for your injuries.
