A Georgia man who recently filed a lawsuit against vape and e-cigarette manufacturer Juul says the company’s devices led him to develop serious health complications, including e-cigarette lung damage, that landed him in a hospital hooked up to a ventilator.

Plaintiff: Juul Vapes Caused Permanent Injuries

According to plaintiff Jay P., he began vaping in 2015 after believing that e-cigarettes were a safe alternative to cigarettes. However, he claims that using the vape devices led him to sustain permanent health problems, including injuries to his lungs. Prior to the injuries he claims vaping caused, Jay was an athlete in great health.

Jay claims that he vaped for approximately two years before he developed EVALI, or E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury. Due to the severity of his condition, he was required to spend two weeks in intensive care. For part of this time, he was in a coma and required a ventilator to control his breathing.

After recovering from his vape-related injuries, Jay’s lawsuit states that he has extensive medical bills and will require medical treatment for the rest of his life. Additionally, the former athlete claims he is no longer able to play international soccer or run marathons.

Like many people who have filed lawsuits against Juul and other vape retailers, Jay is pursuing compensation for his injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

About EVALI and E-Cigarette Lung Damage

EVALI was discovered in 2019 after dozens of people across the U.S. began experiencing severe lung problems after using e-cigarettes. The condition is believed to be related to vitamin E acetate, an additive often used to thicken nicotine liquid. It is possible that particles of this substance may be inhaled and cause damage to the lungs. EVALI may be very serious, and at least 68 people have died due to the condition. Nearly 3,000 people have suffered from severe enough symptoms to require hospitalization.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of EVALI may include shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, a persistent cough, fever or chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breaths.

In addition to EVALI, people who use e-cigarettes and vape pens are at risk of developing several other health conditions, in addition to the risk of nicotine addiction.

These devices may damage the lungs, heart, and brain. For teen and underage smokers whose brains have not finished developing, this may result in long-term or permanent damage. Studies have also shown that people who begin using nicotine when they are young are more likely to continue smoking into adulthood. Although many kid-friendly vape pod flavors have recently been banned in an effort to curb underage vaping, some 5 million U.S. teenagers are estimated to use e-cigarettes.

Vaping nicotine may also lead to tumor growth or cancer in the lungs. According to one study, people who use vape pens and e-cigarettes may also be more likely to suffer from medical conditions including coronary artery disease or depression. The University of California San Francisco reports that several studies have shown a correlation between nicotine use and an increased risk of having a heart attack. Users may also be at risk of experiencing nicotine overdose or nicotine poisoning, which can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or even death.

If you or a loved one has suffered e-cigarette lung damage or other health issues after using e-cigarettes, you may be eligible to speak to a qualified attorney about your legal options. Some victims of lung or heart damage caused by vaping may be able to join or file a class action lawsuit and pursue compensation.