Exploding Battery

Lithium ion batteries are used in a variety of consumer products today. For example, these rechargeable batteries can be found in cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes, headphones, and hoverboards. Like other batteries, they work by storing energy that is released in a controlled chemical reaction. The difference is that lithium ion batteries have been known to cause injuries to people using products that contain them.

Manufacturing or design defects can cause lithium batteries to explode or catch fire. For example, a short circuit caused by a defective or improperly installed separator inside the battery can cause rapid heat accumulation. This can result in thermal runaway, a condition in which the heat inside the battery increases too rapidly for the cell to dispel it. This can cause a sudden, fiery discharge of energy, which can lead to a fire or explosion. Another common issue is manufacturing defects that cause problems with the battery during or after charging. Scraps of metal that end up inside the battery with shoddy manufacturing can also cause a short that leads to an explosion.

Lithium ion batteries are often contained in devices that may be used close to the body, such as cell phones and e-cigarettes. When they explode, it can cause serious or catastrophic injuries. E-cigarettes with lithium battery malfunctions have been compared to flaming rockets. Examples of injuries sustained in lithium ion battery fires and explosions include:

You may be entitled to seek compensation if you have been injured by a lithium ion battery fire or explosion. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or other parties in the supply chain. An experienced product liability lawyer with our firm can thoroughly investigate the incident to identify responsible parties.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available in a Lithium Battery Fire or Explosion Claim?