Children often enjoy putting random objects in their mouths. Baby mouthing is a normal part of an infant’s development and learning, and toddlers often chew on objects to calm themselves. Taste is just one of the senses babies and toddlers use to explore and process the world around them. Unfortunately, young children cannot yet understand the hazards associated with accidentally swallowing items not intended for consumption. Button batteries can be commonly found in normal everyday household objects. However, these seemingly insignificant and tiny batteries pose deadly consequences for children. Lawsuits against button battery manufacturers claim that individuals have suffered serious injuries from small, easily removable batteries that are common in many household devices and toys. Reach out today to speak to one of our attorneys about how a button battery lawsuit can help you.
Our law firm is representing individuals who have been harmed or experienced the death or injury of a loved one as a result of ingesting button batteries.
Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, are often used in small appliances, toys, remote controls, and key fobs. Children may easily mistake these batteries for coins because they are disc-shaped, flat, and shiny. Small electronics that do not plug into outlets with long shelf lives typically contain button batteries.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia cites button batteries as one of the most dangerous objects a child could swallow. Each year, more than 3,500 people of all ages seek emergency treatment after ingesting button batteries or lodging them in ears and noses. Babies and young children find button batteries more tantalizing and appealing than most given their glossy and bright appearance. According to the Texas Children’s Hospital, every three hours, a child will visit an emergency room due to ingesting a battery.
When a button battery comes into contact with fluids, like saliva, for example, the lithium in the battery generates a current that makes a corrosive material called sodium hydroxide. With these small amounts of sodium hydroxide, button batteries can burn holes within the digestive tract. In under two hours, button batteries can produce life-threatening internal burns.
The Senate held a hearing in November 2021 to address product safety. Testimony at the hearing reported 150,000 injuries and nine deaths from dangerous toys in 2020. At the hearing, Mrs. Hamsmith testified that her 18-month daughter died after swallowing a button battery. Senator Blumenthal introduced a new law to improve safety standards and warnings for button batteries.
If a child swallows or inserts a button battery in an orifice, experts recommend that caregivers immediately transport their child to the hospital given the rapid chemical effects. Button batteries can cause catastrophic chemical burns in the esophagus or nasal passage. These burns may become so severe that they extend to major blood vessels which may result in internal bleeding. Also, chemical burns damage tissue and lead to irreversible tissue death in surrounding organs, known as necrosis. Parents and doctors race against time to remove button batteries lodged in the nasal passage or esophagus because necrosis can occur in just two hours.
Unfortunately, parents may not seek treatment in time to prevent serious injury because children may exhibit minimal or no symptoms at all after ingesting a battery. Children who swallow button batteries may experience:
Victims of button battery injuries and death have brought lawsuits against button battery manufacturers for producing and selling dangerous products. In many cases, children can easily remove button batteries and the batteries lack a protective coating to safeguard children. Furthermore, button batteries often do not have warning labels that notify consumers about the dangers of ingestion.
In most states, lawsuits can hold a manufacturer liable for injuries if its product presents unreasonable dangers and the plaintiff can show:
If a button battery injured you or a loved one, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Button batteries present a significant risk for children. Sadly, many families have lost their children due to the hazardous design of these devices. In just mere hours, children will experience the swift and painful ramifications after innocently swallowing a seemingly harmless product. While we understand that a button battery lawsuit cannot reverse the trauma you or a loved one endured, a button battery lawyer can assist you in filing a claim against a negligent manufacturer. Enlisting the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney is the first step in achieving a positive outcome in your button battery lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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