Exploding E-Cigarette Battery Leads to Wave of Consumer Lawsuits

Class action lawyers are investigating complaints from consumers against certain e-cigarette brands, after several consumers report being severely injured.

These injuries were allegedly caused by the e-cigarette battery suddenly exploding, causing severe burns and even fractured bones in some cases.

In a recent e-cigarette lawsuit, Alabama plaintiff Tim J. brought legal action against Kick’n My Habit Vapors after his e-cigarette allegedly combusted. The product had reportedly combusted while he was driving, after he stopped for batteries at the vape shop.

According to the lawsuit, the store employee had recommended the batteries, which had no precautionary warnings. After the batteries were placed in his front pocket, the explosion reportedly occurred.

Tim spent several days in the University of Alabama burn center with third and second degree burns on his legs and hands. After 60 staples and skin grafts, Tim is taking legal action against the store owners for negligence and for selling the defective batteries.

“The people that sell, distribute, manufacture these batteries, that’s who we want to teach a lesson to,” Tim’s lawyers said. The medical costs Tim sustained were well over $50,000, with Tim seeking compensation for these expenses plus any additional damages.

Attorneys for Kick’n My Habit Vapors argues against these claims, saying Tim did not purchase the batteries from them.

Overview of E-Cigarette Battery Explosion Allegations

The e-cigarette explosions are allegedly caused by the product’s lithium ion batteries, which combust when they malfunction. E-cigarettes are powered by small lithium-ion batteries, which heat the cartridges responsible for releasing the vapors inhaled by the users.

While these have proven effective for many consumers looking to stop smoking, the lithium-ion batters are sensitive to temperature changes. It is important to note that these are the same batteries that had allegedly caused hover boards to suddenly explode.

Cheaply made e-cigarette batteries are reportedly insufficiently made, which makes them more dangerous if they are not adequately charged. Another complication of the e-cigarette battery is that dendrite builds up, which is a very flammable filament that forms when batteries are charged and re-charged.

Several e-cigarette manufacturing and vape stores have been hit with product liability suits throughout the country, from consumers alleging their injuries were caused by e-cigarette battery explosions.

The consumers allege the e-cigarette battery components were poorly made and consisted of cheap materials, which combust due to poor ventilation. The e-cigarette battery legal action started when a Georgia man had filed a lawsuit after his e-cigarette exploded in his face while he was vaping in July 2015.

The injuries had allegedly caused the need for intensive care for over a week, with reports of similar occurrences becoming increasingly common. These e-cigarette battery explosions are more likely to happen in cheaply made vape pens.

While Tim’s case was severe, reports of e-cigarette battery explosions are becoming more common. Consumers who experience e-cigarette battery explosions may be able to file legal action, and should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.

The Exploding E-Cigarette Battery Lawsuit is Case No. 47-CV-2016-901907, in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Alabama.

Join a Free Exploding E-Cigarette Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one was injured and hospitalized by an exploding e-cigarette, you may qualify to join this e-cigarette class action lawsuit investigation.