Exploding Power Banks Can Cause Serious Injuries
Portable power banks are everyday essentials. They charge your phones on long flights. They keep tablets alive during road trips. These compact battery packs are everywhere. But what happens when the device you rely on becomes a hazard? That’s the reality behind many recent recalls of lithium-ion power banks after dozens of incidents involving fire, smoke, and even personal injury.
The Anker power bank recall
In one case that was widely reported, electronics brand Anker recalled thousands of portable power banks after at least 33 incidents of the devices overheating and catching fire. Four individuals suffered reported burn injuries, while several others reported property damage. The problem came down to a defect in the lithium-ion battery cells, which can trigger a dangerous chain reaction if the cells are damaged, manufactured improperly, or charged incorrectly.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past decade, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued dozens of recalls for electronic devices that were powered by lithium-ion batteries. This presents us with a clear pattern: When manufacturers cut corners on design, testing, or quality control, consumers are often the ones who suffer the harm.
Why do lithium-ion batteries fail?
Lithium-ion batteries are necessary for modern life. They pack a lot of energy into a very small space. But that energy density also means that even a small defect can have catastrophic consequences. Common failures include:
- Thermal runaway – A short circuit inside the cell causes it to overheat, leading to fire or explosion.
- Manufacturing defects – Poor seals, contamination, or flawed components increase the risk of failure.
- Design flaws – Inadequate heat management or faulty charging circuits can allow temperatures to spike.
- Wear and tear – Over time, repeated charging and discharging weaken the battery and make it unstable.
When such issues go unchecked, consumers can be seriously injured. Burns, smoke inhalation, and house fires are not uncommon outcomes of a defective lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion batteries and product liability lawsuits
If you own one of the recalled power banks, you should stop using it immediately. Visit the manufacturer’s website or the CPSC recall database to check your product’s model and serial number. Most companies offer refunds or replacements once a recall is issued.
If you’ve already been injured by a defective power bank, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Preserve the evidence – Keep the power bank, packaging, and receipts. These items can be critical in proving your claim.
- Document your injuries – Take photos of burns or property damage, and keep medical records.
- Report the incident – File a report with the CPSC to help alert others and strengthen safety enforcement.
- Find an attorney – A Florida product liability lawyer can explain your rights and whether you might be entitled to compensation.
Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today
Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of plaintiffs in product liability lawsuits filed against negligent companies. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
