Legal Recourse for E-Cigarette Injury Victims
As e-cigarettes have become more popular, their health risks have been brought to the forefront. Many people use e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. However, a growing number of injuries have been reported. These injuries range from battery explosions to dangerous chemicals in e-liquid. It’s vital to know your legal rights and options if you or someone close to you has been injured due to an e-cigarette.
Common Types of E-Cigarette Injuries
The injuries caused by e-cigarettes can be minor or life-threatening. The most common injuries are:
- Burns: are one of the most commonly reported injuries. They’re caused by explosions in e-cigarette batteries. Defective lithium-ion batteries may overheat and explode, causing severe injuries to the hands, face, and body.
- Respiratory Issues: Chemicals found in vape liquids have been linked with respiratory issues, such as “vaping-related pulmonary illness.”
- Nicotine Poisoning: Nicotine poisoning can be caused by excessive exposure to nicotine. This includes nausea, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.
The injuries may have long-term effects, both financially and physically, because the victims might need extensive medical treatment and lose wages from time away from work.
Product Liability Lawsuits
A product liability lawsuit is one of the main legal options for victims of e-cigarette injuries. These claims hold retailers, manufacturers, and distributors accountable for selling dangerous or defective products. Product liability claims fall into three categories:
- Design Defects: If you believe that the e-cigarette is defectively designed (e.g. using unsuitable materials in the batteries), then you can sue.
- Manufacturing Defects: Often, the design of the product is good, but manufacturing errors lead to unsafe devices.
- Failure to warn: The manufacturer could be held responsible if they did not provide sufficient warnings or instructions regarding the risks associated with the use of the device.
Seeking Compensation
E-cigarette injuries may qualify for compensation.
- Medical Expenses: Includes hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If you have missed work due to your injury or lost future earning potential.
- Pain & suffering: Compensation for the emotional & physical trauma caused by an injury.
- Punitive Damages: Courts can award punitive damage in cases of extreme negligence and willful misconduct on the part of the manufacturer.
Legal recourse for those who have been injured by defective electronic cigarettes is available in the form of product liability lawsuits. Compensation may cover medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. This can help victims recover from the financial and physical effects of their injuries. Consulting a product liability lawyer is the first step to holding manufacturers responsible and obtaining the compensation that you deserve.
W. Lee Clark & Associates is a dedicated law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury, slip and fall injury attorneys near you, mass torts, defective product lawyer near you, tobacco and vaping-related cases, and wrongful death attorney in Florida. With extensive experience and a client-first approach, the firm proudly serves clients throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been injured due to a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates provides the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Schedule your consultation today!