When Vape Batteries Explode: Product Liability Claims Against Battery Manufacturers

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of consumer goods, including vaping devices. These batteries, while fairly safe under normal use, can be dangerous if they malfunction. The case of Sullivan v. LG Chem Ltd. is one example of the tragic accidents that can result from lithium-ion battery failures. The case demonstrates situations in which manufacturers of lithium-ion battery products can be held liable.

If someone is injured in a lithium-ion battery explosion, there are ways to seek compensation under product liability law.

Sullivan v. LG Chem Ltd: Understanding the allegations 

This lawsuit was brought before the court after a man put a loose LG 18650 lithium-ion battery in his pocket. Court documents state that the battery reacted with a metallic item, such as coins or keys, which triggered a short circuit leading to an explosion that caused the man second- and third-degree burns.

As a result, the victim sued LG Chem Ltd. on the grounds that the company was responsible for the damage since the battery had been sold to the consumer market, even though it was intended only for battery packs with safety measures. In particular, it was alleged that the company knew or could have predicted that a consumer would buy a single vape battery.

LG Chem denied liability because the batteries were not designed for consumers’ vaping needs.

Why this case is important 

In this case, the appeals court assessed the possibility of initiating the suit against the manufacturer using the available criteria. The procedure differed depending on the claim and jurisdiction, but the case illustrates one of the growing problems in the law.

Manufacturers of industrial-quality batteries can argue that their products were misused once they left their possession. At the same time, injured people can argue that manufacturers knew that their batteries were being sold to consumers without proper warnings.

The following are some of the questions that will be examined during such cases as Sullivan:

• Whether the product was defective in its design or manufacturing
• Whether proper warnings came with the product
• Whether the manufacturer could predict the use of the batteries in vaping gadgets
• Whether the distributor or retailer was responsible for the injury, too

The answers to the above-mentioned questions will help determine whether an injured consumer can receive compensation.

Product liability claims after a lithium-ion battery explosion 

Those injured by exploding lithium-ion batteries may have more than one theory of recovery under product liability law.

Defective design can be claimed due to insufficient safety mechanisms or an unreasonable danger posed by the product. Failure to warn about the potential dangers of carrying lithium-ion batteries without proper safety measures around metal objects or of using them in unauthorized ways can be used as the basis for a claim. A manufacturing defect can also occur, leading to serious battery explosions.

Sufferers of such explosions frequently experience burns, nerve damage, scars, infections, loss of earnings, and other losses, along with huge amounts of incurred costs for the treatment.

Talk to a Lithium-Ion Battery Product Liability Attorney Today 

Halper, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of those injured by defective lithium-ion battery explosions. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your case right away.