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Can I Sue if I Was Injured by An E-Cigarette Explosion?

Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith Dec. 12, 2021

Whether you call them e-cigarettes, electronic hookahs, or vaporizers, these devices have seen an enormous rise in popularity over the last several years. A Forbes article from June of 2015 projects that e-cigarette sales will near 2.5 billion dollars in 2016 alone.

As a result of this growth, many companies have begun manufacturing their own version of the e-cig device. Unfortunately, a number of these devices have exploded or caught fire in the hands of users, resulting in some serious, even life-threatening injuries. In this blog, our Altoona product liability attorneys look at three circumstances in which there may be grounds for a lawsuit.

Hold negligent manufacturers responsible for the injuries they cause. Contact us today to get started.

Was the E-Cigarette Defectively Manufactured?

While there is a hobbyist community of “vapers,” the majority of e-cigarette customers use e-cigarette brands like Blue and Vuse – brands owned by major tobacco companies. Due to the high-volume production of these devices, a single bad batch could leave people seriously injured.

Examples of defectively manufactured e-cigarettes could include:

  • A contaminated batch of “e-juice” or nicotine liquid in the device

  • A wiring flaw that causes the device to overheat

  • A defective batch of batteries that may short and catch fire

Was the E-Cigarette Defectively Designed?

The examples of defective manufacturing above could also be symptoms of a larger problem – namely, a defective design of the device. A study by FEMA found that approximately 80% of e-cig explosions occur during the charging process. If the charger is improperly designed, or if the device itself features a flawed design, the batteries can quickly overheat and pose a serious risk.

Did the E-Cigarette Include Insufficient Warnings or Instructions?

Many e-cigarette explosions have been found to be the result of using an improper charger to recharge the device. If such a device did not include a warning or instruction signifying that a specific charger must be used, the manufacturer may be liable for resulting injuries.

Hurt in Altoona County?

If you’ve been hurt by a defective e-cigarette or other dangerous product, you may have grounds to pursue justice in the form of financial compensation. At Goldstein, Heslop, Steele, Clapper, Oswalt, and Smith, our Altoona product liability lawyers are dedicated to the rights of injury victims and their families. Call today for the dedicated, highly experienced counsel you deserve.

Not sure if you have a case? Contact us today for your free initial consultation.