North Carolina Lithium Ion Battery Injury Lawyer
Lithium-ion batteries (li-ion batteries) are used in numerous devices in today’s world such as computers, cell phones, electric cars, and electronic cigarettes. Li-ion batteries are touted as being lightweight and able to be re-charged. Unfortunately, they have also been the subject of several recalls and the cause of many fires and injuries.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WAS INJURED BY A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY?
If you have been injured as a result of a lithium-ion battery catching on fire or exploding, there are several things to consider.
- Medical Treatment – Make sure you seek the necessary medical treatment right away. Even minor burns can be serious and can result in severe pain, infection, or scarring. More serious burns and other injuries may require grafts or other surgeries. Be sure you follow your doctor’s orders initially and throughout the course of your treatment. Seeking medical treatment also ensures that you will have a record documenting the details of your injury including the date, mechanism, and severity of your injury.
- Preserve Evidence – Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, be sure to take time to gather all items and documents related to the incident. Do not throw anything away. Take photos of all items involved in the incident and document the location of the fire or explosion. Also, be sure to list the names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident. Store any related devices, batteries, and other items in a clean, safe location where they will not be disturbed.
- Contact A Lithium-Ion Battery Attorney – When a lithium-ion battery explodes or catches fire, you may find yourself injured and struggling with mounting medical bills, lost wages, severe pain, and more. Here at Paynter Law, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming this can be. That’s why we make ourselves available to our clients 24/7, and we have an entire legal team working with you every step of the way. These cases can be complicated due to the nature of the injuries as well as the large, corporate defendants involved.
An experienced lithium-ion battery attorney will understand the complexities of these cases and will be able to advise you and help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today. We’re here, ready to listen, and the consultation is free!
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES & ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
In recent years, electronic cigarettes have continued to grow in popularity. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigs or vape pens). Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver a heated vapor similar to smoke and usually contain nicotine. The heating element is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These devices are marketed as a safer alternative to smoking because they do not burn tobacco, do not create smoke, and do not pose the same risks associated with second-hand smoke.
Unfortunately, while e-cigarettes may allow users to avoid many concerns associated with traditional cigarettes, they still carry other risks such as the risk of fires and explosions from the li-ion batteries that power them. In October 2014, the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), released a report on electronic cigarettes, fires, and explosions. The report found twenty-five separate incidents of explosions and fires involving e-cigarettes reported in the media between 2009 and August 2014.
In July 2017, the U.S. Fire Administration updated its report. The updated report stated that, between January 2009 and December 31, 2016, 195 separate incidents of e-cigarette explosions and fires had been reported by the U.S. media.
INJURIES
When a lithium-ion battery catches fire or explodes, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. For example, some users have reported fires or explosions while using an electronic cigarette and, as a result, sustained severe facial injuries. Others have reported lithium-ion battery injuries to their legs as a result of a battery exploding and/or catching fire in their pocket. Still others have suffered injury when holding or using portable devices such as laptops and cell phones.
Injuries resulting from lithium-ion battery fires or explosions may include:
- First , second and third degree burns
- Severe pain
- Injuries to arms, hands, legs, or face
- Scarring
- Permanent injuries
- Death