Today, people are seldom found without some type of portable electronic device on them. People can work on the go, stay in touch with friends and family, navigate, and consume media all thanks to these handy pieces of technology. Several of these in-demand portable electronic devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is no surprise that lithium-ion batteries are the most common and popular rechargeable batteries today. However, consumers have reported instances in which these lithium-ion batteries unexpectedly explode and result in serious harm. Many people have filed lithium-ion battery explosion lawsuits due to burn injuries sustained from these hazardous explosions. Do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more about how a lithium-ion battery explosion lawsuit can help you.
Our law firm is currently representing individuals who have suffered injury or death because of a lithium-ion battery explosion. Lawsuits against manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries claim that these batteries can explode and cause serious injuries to the face and body. Since countless common devices contain lithium-ion batteries, people may be unaware of the dangers posed by these rechargeable batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries often referred to as li-ion batteries, are a form of high-quality rechargeable technology. These advanced batteries rely on lithium ions, which allow the lithium-ion batteries to have a very high voltage and charge storage. The lithium ions generate power by traveling between negative and positive electrodes. Even though they are tiny, lithium-ion batteries produce a large energy output for high-power devices. Lithium produces a large amount of power from a small cell, which makes it an ideal metal for batteries. Also, these batteries require little to no maintenance to preserve the quality of battery life. You can find lithium-ion batteries in:
While there are many advantages to these batteries, lithium-ion batteries do present certain risks. Lithium-ion batteries have become the leading battery in portable electronic devices for their high energy density. However, this favorable characteristic contributes to the batteries’ shortcomings and hazards. Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to overheating which can cause them to explode. In fact, due to the high risk of explosion, numerous shipping companies refuse to ship these batteries in bulk by plane. To reduce the risk of explosion, manufacturers must include safety mechanisms to control the voltage.
In 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that over five years it received over 25,000 reports of overheating or fires involving more than 400 consumer products powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Various products containing lithium-ion batteries have been recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued at least 64 recalls involving lithium-ion batteries since 2016. These include the Razor USA Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard, the Panasonic CF-S10 Series Laptop with a lithium-ion battery pack, and the lithium-ion batteries in various HP laptops. Also, in 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization prohibited the shipment of lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft due to the high risk of fire aboard aircraft.
Explosions from lithium-ion batteries can result in serious injuries including:
Injuries may occur to both the user of the device and anyone in close vicinity to the user.
Lithium-ion battery lawsuits have received widespread attention after several high-profile accidents involving exploding batteries. In 2016, there were numerous reports of Samsung Galaxy 7 phones spontaneously exploding. Following these reports, Samsung officially recalled the Galaxy 7. In addition, reports of hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and laptops catching on fire have led to product recalls and lawsuits.
Electronics manufacturer LG faces nearly 44 electronic vape lithium-ion battery explosion lawsuits across the country. Although the South Korean company has attempted to dismiss the lawsuits, stating that it does not sell its batteries specifically for vaping devices. Some state courts have dismissed claims against LG, but other states, such as Georgia, Texas, and Ohio have upheld lawsuits against the company for its lithium-ion batteries.
When a lithium-ion battery explodes, the malfunction is usually the result of the manufacturer failing to incorporate certain safety features or negligently integrating the battery into its product. Sometimes manufacturers will take shortcuts to save on costs and time instead of implementing safety features to prevent lithium-ion battery explosions. Many victims have filed lithium-ion battery explosion lawsuits that accuse manufacturers of prioritizing profits over consumer safety. Plaintiffs argue that manufacturers have resorted to cheaper materials, reducing safety mechanisms, and not providing adequate instructions for users to avoid explosions.
In most states, a lawsuit can hold a manufacturer liable for injuries if its products present unreasonable dangers, and the plaintiff can demonstrate:
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a lithium-ion battery explosion, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
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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