E-Cigarette Vaping Illness Lawyer

Vapes are a relatively new device on the market, with brands often claiming that an electronic cigarette is a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco. However, a recent outbreak of vaping-related lung illness has disproved many of these claims. Several people have died and hundreds have gone to the hospital as a result of this illness. As this health crisis continues to grow, legal claims are developing against vape manufacturers. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaping illness, contact the e-cigarette vaping illness lawyers at Bentley & More, LLP immediately.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stepped in to intervene during this crisis. Here’s what we know about the vape-related lung injury outbreak.

What Devices Cause Vaping Illness?

As of the time of publication, the CDC has not discovered the exact cause of the outbreak. The CDC has not identified a single product, substance, or brand responsible for the outbreak either. However, it is very likely that the chemicals in e-liquids, which vape users inhale through vaping devices, may be contributing to the illness.

Recent research from the CDC and the FDA suggests that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, may play a large role in the outbreak. The CDC surveyed 514 patients and discovered that 77% of them used vaping liquids containing THC, with 36% exclusively using THC products. In contrast, 57% of patients used liquids with nicotine and only 16% exclusively used nicotine products.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vaping Illness

The onset of vaping illness varies from person to person. Symptoms can develop over a few days to as long as several weeks. Patients affected by this outbreak report many different types of symptoms, including the following.

Coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Fever

If you notice any of these symptoms and believe they could be a sign of vaping illness, visit a hospital as soon as possible.

How Many People Have Died from Vaping Illness?

As of October 2019, approximately 12 people have died across 10 states from vape-related lung illness. More deaths may occur in future months. In addition, over 805 people have gone to the hospital as a result of this injury, with cases occurring across 46 states and one United States territory. All patients have a history of using electronic cigarettes and vape pens.

According to the CDC, the majority of the patients are male, at 69%. Victims of vape-related lung injury are also relatively young, with nearly two-thirds between the ages of 18 to 34 years old. 22% of the patients are between the ages of 18 to 21, and 16% of the patients are under 18.

Have Any States Banned Vapes?

Only a few states have banned vapes for a number of reasons, from regulation concerns to responses to vaping-related injury or illness. New York and Michigan have banned the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes in response to underage use. Massachusetts is implementing a four-month ban on all vape sales across the state.

As the outbreak continues and more information comes to light, we may see more states and municipalities banning the sale of vapes.

CDC Recommendations for Avoiding Vaping Illness

To stay safe during this outbreak, the CDC recommends that the public take the following precautions.

Refrain from using any e-cigarette or vaping products, especially those with THC.
If you notice any symptoms and have used vaping products, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Purchase vape products from a reputable manufacturer and do not add any substances into them.
Do not return to smoking cigarettes and seek medical attention if you need help quitting tobacco products.

What to Do If You Contract Vaping Illness

If you use vapes and e-cigarettes regularly, stop using these products as soon as possible. Monitor your symptoms, and if you notice anything unusual, seek medical attention immediately. Keep your vape pen, your e-liquids, and other vaping equipment with you.

After you receive medical treatment, contact Bentley & More LLP immediately. Our e-cigarette vaping illness attorneys work closely with victims of vape injury to seek compensation for their injuries, from collecting damages for medical expenses to emotional losses, like chronic pain and a reduced quality of life.