Authorities in Washington are warning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in e-cigarettes after two men in the state were seriously injured. According to a news report, both men suffered serious burn injuries after their e-cigarettes exploded and caught fire. The Washington Director of Energy Safety has released a report detailing the two incidents, one of which left a man needing skin grafts after his device’s battery ignited in his pocket.
Serious Burn Injuries
The burn victim, who was working at a racecourse, said he felt a searing pain and heat on his thigh. He had placed coins and a loose lithium-ion battery in his pants pocket for his e-cigarette. That victim needed skin graft surgery and was hospitalized for a week. Another man, a mineworker, sustained severe thermal and chemical burns when his vape battery combusted while he was driving. The report said the effect was like fireworks going off and flying inside the vehicle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with these two affected victims. We wish them the very best for a complete recovery.
E-cigarette Explosions
The term “electronic cigarette” encompasses a whole class of devices used to refer to any or all e-cigarette or vaping devices. These are battery-powered devices which simulate tobacco smoking by producing a heated vapor that resembles smoke. These devices have become very popular as an alternative to smoking. Nonetheless, they cause serious health effects like traditional tobacco cigarettes, including lung damage.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), there were reports of 195 separate e-cigarette fire and explosion incidents in the United States between January 2009 to Dec. 31, 2016. Many more incidents have occurred since then, some even resulting in death. Most result in severe burns that require extensive treatment and therapy.
Product Liability Issues
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-cigarette fire or explosion, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and/or other parties for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. An experienced product defect lawyer can advise you regarding your legal rights and options.
Source: https://7news.com.au/news/wa/safety-warning-after-exploding-e-cigarette-batteries-leave-men-with-horrific-burns-c-3203461
