E-Cigarette Explosions Are On The Rise

Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) have significantly grown in popularity in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarette usage is particularly high among adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years. However, customers of virtually all ages are turning to e-cigarettes to some degree.

Various factors can account for the rise of e-cigarettes. The perception among customers that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes may be a particularly significant factor.

Research on this topic is still in the early stages. It may be too soon to definitively say whether opting for e-cigarettes significantly reduces a smoker’s chances of developing illnesses that can typically result from usage of tobacco products.

That said, it’s worth noting that illnesses aren’t the only dangers e-cigarette users may need to be aware of. They may also need to familiarize themselves with the alarming trend of e-cigarette explosions.

E-Cigarette Explosions: What You Need to Know

Not enough research has been conducted to determine precisely how common and widespread e-cigarette explosions may be. However, news stories involving e-cigarette users sustaining injuries as a result of e-cigarette explosions have undeniably become more common as e-cigarette usage has grown in popularity.

According to a study in the journal JPRAS Open, e-cigarette explosions may cause injury in males more often than in customers of other sexes. This may simply be due to the fact that males might be more likely to use e-cigarettes.

Per the study, the parts of the body most likely to sustain injury when an e-cigarette explodes include:

• Groin: The groin sustains more e-cigarette-related injuries than any other part of the body according to researchers. Because users often keep e-cigarettes in their pockets when not vaping from them, this area of the body is particularly vulnerable.
• Hands: The second-most likely part of the body to sustain injuries from an e-cigarette explosion is the hands. This makes sense, as users hold e-cigarettes in their hands the same way they would hold traditional cigarettes.
• Face: Injuries to the face may result from e-cigarette explosions with relative frequency due to the fact that users may be vaping at the time an e-cigarette explodes.

Researchers also found that patients who are injured as a result of e-cigarette explosions usually need to undergo some form of medical treatment. Said treatment may be costly.

Why Do E-Cigarettes Explode?

There isn’t one single factor that accounts for all e-cigarette explosions. In some cases, these devices may explode because customers use or store them unsafely.

That said, early research indicates that e-cigarette explosions tend to be the result of lithium-ion batteries overheating. In addition, it appears that factors such as poor manufacturing or fabrication methods may result in some e-cigarettes being more likely to explode than others.

The process typically begins when the battery short circuits. This allows the temperature to rise to very high levels. At a certain point, a fire or explosion may occur.

Users should also be aware that manufacturing errors or negligence aren’t always the cause of e-cigarette explosions. If a battery is exposed to too high of a voltage due to a customer using the wrong charger, an explosion could happen. Thus, e-cigarette users should always make a point of using the appropriate chargers for their devices.

Injured Due to an E-Cigarette Explosion? Understanding Your Options

Again, you might have to undergo potentially expensive medical treatment if you’re injured because an e-cigarette exploded. You might also be unable to work and earn an income during your recovery.

If the cause of the explosion was some form of negligence on the part of the product’s designers, manufacturers, or marketers, you may be able to seek financial compensation for such losses by filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you could sue and take them to court.

Strongly consider reviewing your case with an attorney for more information. Along with explaining whether you have a valid case, a lawyer could investigate the incident to gather evidence showing it resulted from someone else’s negligence.

At Swartz & Swartz, P.C., one of our Boston product liability and e-cigarette explosion attorneys will gladly review your case at no cost to you. If you agree to hire us, we’ll also provide you with the quality representation you deserve. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at (617) 742-1900 to request your free consultation.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know, needs help from a lawyer, contact the law offices of Swartz & Swartz, use our live chat, or send us a message using the form below and we’ll get in touch to assess your case and how we can help.