Published by At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit Overview
E-cigarette explosions have resulted in numerous lawsuits against manufacturers for injuries caused by defective batteries and charging systems.
At least 168 e-cigarette explosions have been reported in the media, with 101 incidents resulting in serious personal injury, facial injuries, or wrongful death.
These explosions are often characterized by sudden bursts, loud noise, bright flashes, and the ejection of battery acid, with devices sometimes behaving like "flaming rockets" due to their cylindrical design.
Latest E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit Updates
- March 24, 2025 – Legal experts emphasize the increasing number of e-cigarette explosion lawsuits, citing product liability and negligence as key legal claims for affected consumers [1].
- March 12, 2025 – Legal professionals warn that e-cigarette explosions can lead to severe injuries, prompting lawsuits against manufacturers. Personal injury firms have successfully secured compensation for affected consumers [2].
- September 12, 2023 – A recent lawsuit filed in Missouri highlights the dangers of e-cigarette explosions, with victims seeking legal action against manufacturers for severe injuries caused by defective vaping devices.
- November 7, 2019 – A Milwaukee man reported that his SMOKTech vape pen exploded in his kitchen, burning a hole in the floor. The incident prompted him to return to smoking traditional cigarettes despite the higher nicotine content.
- January 27, 2019 – A 24-year-old man from Fort Worth, Texas, suffered a severed carotid artery leading to a fatal stroke after an e-cigarette exploded in his mouth. The victim, William Brown, had just purchased the vape and was using it for the first time when the accident occurred, dying two days later on January 29, 2019.
FEMA and ECigOne.com Reports and Statistics
Between 2009 and August 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documented at least 25 reports of fire and explosion linked to portable vape pens in the U.S.
Nine injuries were associated with these incidents, including two severe burns requiring skin grafts and seven minor injuries like first-degree burns and lacerations.
The explosion events occurred:
- While being charged: 20 (80%)
- While being used: 2 (8%)
- During storage or transportation: 1 (4%)
- Not reported: 2 (8%)
According to ECigOne.com, as of April 3, 2016:
- 45 vape explosions occurred during use.
- 73 battery explosions occurred during charging.
- 28 explosions happened during transport, storage, or unknown circumstances.
- 22 events involved spare batteries for removable lithium-ion battery-powered devices, contributing to a total of 168 reported incidents.
E-Cigarette Injuries & Side Effects
E-cigarette explosions can cause severe and life-threatening injuries due to the device's cylindrical design and lithium-ion battery failures.
- Burns: Severe thermal burns to face, hands, thighs, and other body parts.
- Facial Injuries: Broken teeth, jaw fractures, and facial lacerations.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs including fatal injuries like severed carotid arteries.
- Broken Bones: Fractures resulting from the force of the explosion.
- Property Damage: Fires affecting carpets, drapes, bedding, couches, and vehicle seats.
Read More: Vaping Linked to Lung Disease
Do You Qualify for an E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an e-cigarette explosion lawsuit if:
- You used an electronic cigarette or vaping device that exploded.
- You experienced serious injuries such as burns, lacerations, fractures, or disfigurement.
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
- You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the e-cigarette explosion.
Evidence Required for an E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- The damaged device or photographs of it
- Receipts or proof of purchase for the e-cigarette
- Witness statements if available
- Documentation of any property damage caused by the explosion
Related Article: Pelican Flashlights Litigation
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of burns and other injuries
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages against negligent manufacturers
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones
E-Cigarette Recall Information
The U.S. Navy banned e-cigarettes and portable heated vapor devices (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) from its aircraft, ships, and submarines, announced on April 14, 2017, and effective May 14, 2017, after reports of the devices’ batteries exploding and catching fire between October 2015 and June 2016.
On April 14, 2017, the FDA announced plans to hold a 2-day public workshop on April 19–20, 2017, to discuss the dangers of exploding batteries in e-cigarettes and vapes.
The Associated Press reported that the agency had identified at least 66 incidents of e-cigarette overheating, fires, or explosions between 2015 and early 2016.
Statute of Limitations for E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing an e-cigarette explosion lawsuit varies by state. In most states, you have between 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim.
Contact an attorney immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state.
FAQs
1. Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured by an e-cigarette explosion?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you were injured by an e-cigarette explosion, potentially recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. What types of injuries are commonly associated with e-cigarette explosions?
Common injuries from e-cigarette explosions include burns, lacerations, broken bones, and, in severe cases, disfigurement or permanent disability, often resulting from the device's battery malfunction.
3. How can I prove that my injuries were caused by an e-cigarette explosion?
To prove your injuries were caused by an e-cigarette explosion, gather evidence like medical records, witness statements, the damaged device, and documentation linking the explosion to the specific e-cigarette model.
4. How can I avoid an e-cigarette explosion?
To avoid explosions, follow battery charging guidelines, don't leave devices charging unattended, don't carry spare batteries in your pocket, discard batteries with visible damage, be careful with mechanical mods, and ensure proper center pin protrusion on hybrid mods.
5. What causes e-cigarette explosions?
Most e-cigarette explosions are caused by lithium-ion battery failures, especially when using non-approved power adapters, improper charging methods, or when batteries are damaged or come into contact with metal objects.
6. Who is liable for e-cigarette explosion injuries?
Potentially liable parties include the manufacturer of the e-cigarette, the battery manufacturer, the retailer who sold the device, and distributors who brought the product to market.
7. How much compensation can I receive from an e-cigarette explosion lawsuit?
Compensation varies based on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. Settlements may range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the case.
Get a Free E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for e-cigarette explosion injuries. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file your claim.
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers focused on representing plaintiffs in e-cigarette lawsuits nationwide.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
If you were injured by an e-cigarette, vape, or other electronic smoking device, you should contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP, LLP attorneys immediately.
You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit for medical bills and lost wages against vape companies, and we can help.
References:
- https://www.levinsimes.com/practice-areas/vape-pen-explosion-lawsuit
- https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/e-cigarette-explosion-lawyers/
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