Just the other day, a couple from Monmouth County NJ, filed suit against a vaping company over an e-cigarette that exploded in the man’s pocket. The man filing the suit claims that the incident left his leg severely burned and has also left him emotional distress. According to the suit, the battery in his e-cig exploded in his left pant pocket, shooting flames down his pants. He was hospitalized and later saw a dermatologist. The Plaintiff is seeking damages, future medical costs, and legal fees.

An e-cigarette converts liquid nicotine into vapor for the user to inhale. They are typically designed to replicate the look and feel of a real cigarette. They are seen as a healthy alternative because of the absence of ash and other dangerous chemicals. However, the device uses a powerful battery that is connected to a vaporization chamber. This battery heats the liquid (called “e-juice”) to its boiling point, at which point it becomes vapor for the user to inhale.

While many law suits sue the manufacturers of the vaping device as well as the battery manufactures of the defective product, this suit also alleges that Gorilla Vapes location in New Jersey was aware that it was defective.

Many other devices with batteries have also been the subject of lawsuits. Exploding cell phones and even exploding headphones have been recalled recently. Airline officials have issued warnings about battery operated devices in light of these events.

Products liability law holds manufactures, supplies, distributors and retailers responsible for the injuries that their products cause. A consumer should be able to pick up any product off the shelf with the expectation that it will be reasonably safe when used properly. A battery pack explosion falls into the category of dangerous or defective products. Stores are not warning their customers of the risks associated with electronic cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices.

We have over 20 years of experience in handling injury claims. If you have been hurt due to a dangerous or unsafe product, call us at 908 353-5850 for a free consultation. At Druckman & Hernandez, we do not get paid unless you win.