Were You Injured in an E-Cig Explosion or Fire?

Manufacturers market the electronic cigarette or e-cig as a safer option than smoking traditional cigarettes. However, they have been found to be more dangerous than first thought. Numerous lawsuits have been filed over devices that have malfunctioned in some way, whether by catching fire, exploding or overheating. These adverse events have resulted in serious injuries to the face, burns on the thighs and groin, broken necks, and blindness, among other medical issues.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious injury due to a malfunctioning e-cigarette, call us today to find out if you qualify for compensation for your injury.

The Safety of E-Cigs

The safety of e-cigarettes is not known in spite of the marketing which hails them as a safe alternative to the traditional cigarettes. In fact, as many as 134 reports have been made of fires, overheating and explosions of these devices between 2009 and 2015, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA continues to scrutinize the electronic cigarettes while creating regulations to improve their safety. This agency has placed the e-cig in the same classification as other cigarettes, along with cigars, smokeless tobacco, and rolled cigarettes. With this change, no alterations to the devices can occur without specific approval from the government watchdog agency.

Dangers of Electronic Cigarettes

The U.S. Fire Administration reported at least 24 cases of vape pens exploding or catching on fire. This changes the original view that modified devices were the only ones that had a problem with exploding. In the beginning, the blame was put on users for how they were handling the e-cigarettes. The problem has since been determined to be the batteries. Some may be cheaply made, and when they explode, they blow like a rocket as the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has stated.

Poisoning and Toxicity

Another danger with the e-cig is the health risks it poses. Studies have indicated that diacetyl and formaldehyde are present in the liquid, which can cause popcorn lung. At least one child has been the victim of e-juice poisoning, which led to their death.

If you or your loved one has suffered from an explosion or another issue with e-cigs, call us to find out if you are eligible for financial compensation for your injuries.

Burns

Burns are one of the most serious injuries from the electronic cigarette when they explode or catch on fire. A jury in California awarded one woman $1.9 million for injuries and other damages which occurred when the device exploded as it was being charged in her vehicle.

It has been reported that burns on the legs and thighs may be quite severe when these devices explode in a pocket or purse. Many of the victims required skin grafts. Victims of e-cig explosions have suffered injuries such as tooth loss, the loss of tissue, as well as traumatic tattooing from particles of the device embedding into the skin.

Other Serious Injuries

Other users have reported a variety of injuries that occur when the device explodes or catches fire near them. One person lost a finger while someone else ended up with a hole in his tongue and missing teeth. Another case involved a teen who was trying out one of these devices in a store when it exploded. The result was damage to both eyes. Another person suffered fractures to the face, tooth loss and a broken neck from an explosion.
If you have suffered an injury from an electronic cigarette, contact us right away.

Fire Damage

Damage from these devices has gone beyond personal injury to damage to property. In fact, several instances of explosions have occurred on Navy vessels. The e-cigs are no longer permitted on military ships. The US Department of Transportation has banned the devices from luggage in airports or other public transport. The FDA now regulates them in hopes of stopping the occurrences.

We Can Help

The damage from these devices exploding and catching fire can be very serious. If you are the victim of a vape pen explosion, you need to seek legal advice. Contact us today to find out more about the dangers of e-cigs and whether you are eligible for financial compensation for your injuries and losses.