E-Cigarette Explosion Attorneys
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a type of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) that delivers nicotine via vapor, rather than smoke. Available in hundreds of forms and brands, e-cigarettes are not necessarily as safe as manufacturers would have the public believe. Some of these devices reportedly have flaws and defects, which can cause serious accidents and potentially permanent, debilitating injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective e-cigarette, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the device. The dangerous device & product liability lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm are ready to provide you with answers about your options for compensation and justice.
Relentless and strategic, our attorneys have the experience and insight to effectively advocate your rights, build you a strong claim and help you maximize your recovery.
Were You or a Loved One Hurt by an E-Cigarette?
Call (713) 352-7975, Text (281) 612-8024 or Email Our Firm
for a FREE, No Obligations Consultation
During your FREE consultation, we will review your potential claim and explain your legal options. We represent clients from across the U.S. in e-cigarette claims. Free virtual and mobile consultations are available to anyone who is unable to visit our offices.
How E-Cigarettes Work
Also referred to as e-cigs or vape pens, e-cigarettes are comprised of three main components:
- A power source, typically a battery
- A cartridge, where a nicotine-containing liquid is added and contained
- A heating device, which vaporizes the nicotine-containing liquid.
When a user inhales from the mouthpiece, the power source activates the heating device in order to vaporize the liquid. Users commonly refer to this as “vaping.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3.7 percent of adults in the U.S. currently use e-cigarettes.1
E-Cigarette Risks & Problems
Since e-cigarettes were developed in 2003, these devices have been associated with a number of risks and potential problems, including (but not limited to):
- Exposure to formaldehyde – E-cigarettes can expose users to more formaldehyde-releasing agents at higher concentrations (when compared to nicotine). Formaldehyde can cause cancer.
- Exposure to other harmful chemicals – Some vaping liquids have been found to contain toxic chemicals like cinnamaldehyde and diacetyl. Recalls have been issued for some of these toxin-containing liquids.
- Fires & explosions – Certain e-cigarettes can overheat and potentially burst into fire and/or explode. This can cause severe burns, permanent blindness and other serious injuries. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):2
- Since 2009, there have been at least 195 e-cigarette fires and explosions in the U.S.
- More than 2 in every 3 of these cases involved serious injuries.
- About 31 percent of these events happened while the e-cigarette was in a person’s pocket.
- About 30 percent occurred while the device was in use.
- About 25 percent took place while the device was being charged.
While some of these problems may be the result of design flaws, others can arise as a result of a device containing substandard components (like defective batteries).
E-Cigarettes: The FDA Takes Action
Since 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulated e-cigarettes and related products, like the liquids these devices use. In 2016, the Agency finalized a new rule, extending “its regulatory authority to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes… as part of its goal to improve public health.”4
While the FDA’s oversight will be key to removing dangerous e-cigarettes and liquids from the market, tragically, many risky devices and liquids still remain in circulation, presenting a serious risk to the public.
E-Cigarette Lawsuits & Compensation
Many of those who have been seriously hurt by an e-cigarette malfunction, fire or explosion have already taken action to file lawsuits. These claims generally allege that:
- The manufacturers of these items failed to properly test the safety of their products.
- The manufacturers were negligent in warning the public about the serious risks associated with e-cigarettes and liquids.
- Use of defective or dangerous e-cigarettes caused serious injuries and losses.
To date, many of those injured by e-cigarettes have succeeded in securing compensation that has included damages for (but not necessarily limited to):
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering.
Anyone who has been harmed by an e-cigarette is encouraged to contact the Amaro Law Firm to learn more about their legal options for seeking financial recovery and justice.
Get Answers about Your Potential Claim: Contact a Dangerous Device & Product Liability Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm
A dangerous device & product liability lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm is ready to partner with you in the pursuit of recovery and justice if you or a loved one has been harmed by an e-cigarette.
Call (713) 352-7975, text (281) 612-8024 or email our firm for your FREE consultation and essential information regarding your potential claim.
Known for providing the highest quality legal services, our lawyers will help you navigate the road ahead, working tirelessly and diligently to maximize your financial recovery. While compensation can never change the irreversible injuries and significant losses caused by e-cigarettes, these recoveries can be pivotal to gaining a sense of justice, healing and restoring lives.
The Amaro Law Firm’s history of excellence and success in product liability (and other personal injury) claims has earned us glowing testimonials from former clients and 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.
________________________________________________________________________________
1: CDC Data on E-Cigarettes
2: FEMA Report on E-Cigarette Fires & Explosions
3: FDA Information Regarding its Regulation of E-Cigarettes
4: FDA Rule Regarding the Regulation of Tobacco Products