San Bernardino E-Cigarette Explosion Attorney
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, may be dangerous to consumers. Over one hundred product liability and personal injury claims have appeared around the U.S. regarding e-cigs that have caught fire or exploded on users. Bentley & More LLP is here to help victims involved in e-cigarette incidents in San Bernardino, California. Our San Bernardino injury lawyers can help you achieve your legal goals through personalized services and proven strategies. Find out how we can help you during a free case review.
What Are E-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, vaporizers, or vape pens allow users to inhale vaporized nicotine instead of having to smoke tobacco. These “smokeless cigarettes” have boomed in popularity since their invention in 2004, becoming a prominent device for adults and teenagers around the globe. While many people are still on the fence about the safety of e-cigs in terms of personal health, their safety in terms of product liability has significant evidence against it.
What Are the Potential Defects of E-Cigarettes?
Cases against e-cigarettes allege that the lithium-ion batteries within the devices are prone to malfunctions and overheating. Battery defects could lead to the e-cig catching fire or exploding without warning. Exploding batteries may cause serious, even fatal personal injuries, house fires, and significant property damage. Such was the case with a Glendale, California victim with second- and third-degree burns to his legs and genitals that Bentley & More LLP represented. Potential battery defects are a serious consumer risk for e-cig users.
What Are the Injuries from Defective E-Cigarettes?
Injuries involved in e-cig lawsuits have largely dealt with burns and explosion-related injuries such as traumatic amputations. Victims have suffered thermal burns from e-cigarette fires as well as chemical burns from the ingredients that make up the vape pen. Some have filed lawsuits for devices that explode while in use, causing injuries such as lost teeth; gashes and lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, and lips; facial injuries; lost eyes; amputations; and severe injuries to the hands and fingers. Victims have lost fingers, sustained catastrophic third-degree burn injuries, and suffered permanent disfigurement from defective e-cigarettes. There have even been wrongful death lawsuits.
Who Is Liable for E-Cig Injuries?
Bentley and his associates blame the e-cigarette industry, along with battery manufacturers and device wholesalers, for failing to police themselves and to prevent consumer injuries. Current e-cig product liability lawsuits have named both device manufacturers and retailers as defendants. Some of the most prominent lithium battery producers and suppliers in the world find themselves involved in these claims, including LG Chem, Sevia USA, and Kangertech. Our Southern California firm can help you go up against major international corporations in pursuit of justice.
Get Help from Experienced Injury Attorneys Today
Bentley & More LLP’s lead Orange County personal injury attorneys have taken care of past product liability claims involving defective and dangerous electronic cigarettes. Our firm represented dozens of civil suits filed in Riverside, San Diego, Placer, and Santa Barbara counties. We’ve helped clients with massive, catastrophic e-cig injuries and may be able to help you as well. Contact us right away if you believe you have grounds to file a lawsuit against one or more parties for e-cigarette injuries. We’ll discuss your case during a free injury case evaluation in Orange County.