Vape pens and electronic cigarettes, also popularly referred to as “e-cigarettes” or “e-cigs” have rapidly increased in popularity in the past few years. They are considered good, safer alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes. The devices work by using a vaporizer consisting of a mixture of nicotine and liquid. The user inhales the combination and gets their nicotine fix just like with regular cigarettes, known as vaping.
Unfortunately, along with the huge boon of e-cigarettes and vape pens comes a series of lawsuits across the country. These legal actions come about as a result of defects in the devices that causes them to explode either while users are vaping or while they are simply idle in a person’s pocket or purse. Many users have suffered burn injuries, broken jaws and missing teeth as a result of vape pen and e-cig explosions. Anyone who suffers such serious injuries while simply using their e-cig should immediately consult with a vape pen explosion lawyer.
Are Vape Pens an e-Cigarettes Safer Than Regular Cigarettes?
There have been many studies on vape pens that claim they are much healthier to use than traditional cigarettes. However, at the same time, using them carries a whole different set of risks, with some research showing that they may be more dangerous than regular cigarettes. These devices have only been on the market for around a decade, so, unfortunately, there is yet to be research performed on the long-term effects they may leave.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not begin to regulate the e-cigarette industry until August of 2016. As a result, users should be wary and question the safety of these devices when it comes to both ingredients and the Lithium-ion batteries they contain.
The Industry Targets Kids
The e-cigarette industry definitely has designs on targeting adolescents due to the variety of fun flavors vaping pens contain. Flavors such as cotton candy, bubble gum, marshmallow and others are obviously meant to attract a younger audience. Additionally, from 2013 to 2014, middle school and high school students who used vape pens tripled.
Rate of Vape Pens Exploding Only Increases
Sadly, many people have become the victim of serious injuries as a result of their vape pens exploding. In the spring of this year, a young man was vaping in his home when the battery in the device suddenly exploded, blowing debris from the gadget into his face and breaking several of his teeth. He also suffered serious injuries to his cheek when a chunk of flesh was torn away. The man also suffered chemical burns to his face, mouth, tongue and left hand.
While fatalities stemming from e-cigarette explosions are rare, they have been known to happen. Two men died in 2018 using vape pens. One in Florida was struck with projectiles from his device that caused a fire. He suffered burns on 80 percent of his body. A young man died two days after his vape pen exploded and debris severed his carotid artery.
These are very serious incidents that have resulted in tragedy. The Lithium-ion batteries causing the explosions in vape pens and e-cigs are the same as those that were included in faulty hoverboards a few short years ago. According to the Wall Street Journal, the FDA got notice of around 134 incidents of vape pen explosions and fires between 2009 and early 2016.
Common Injuries Resulting from Using Vape Pens
Many of the injuries people suffer from using vape pens involve their lungs. However, e-cigarette explosions are quickly picking up speed, resulting in many serious injuries that can render a person disabled and unable to work.
The following are the most common injuries resulting from vape pen use:
- Asthma
- Breathing problems
- Burns, scars and other injuries from explosions
- Chronic bronchitis
- Popcorn lung
Lawsuits Against Vape Companies are on the Rise
A good bulk of lawsuits that have been filed against vape companies were filed by individuals who have suffered injuries from explosions while their e-cig was in their mouth, hand or pocket. Some of the most notable examples of these lawsuits include the following:
- A California teen whose vape pen exploded in his pocket when he was at school is suing manufacturer Shenzhen IVPS Technology
- A Florida man who suffered burns in his mouth, throat, face, esophagus, and lungs after his e-cigarette exploded while he was using it has suffered permanent injuries and is suing VapeAMP.
- Three California men whose vape pens exploded while they were using them were injured and are suing three different manufacturers. One of the men lost a finger in his incident and is also suing the store that sold him the charger for his e-cig.
These are only a few of the cases being brought about by the victims of exploding vape pens and e-cigarettes. Personal injury attorneys are representing multiple plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages and other damages the victims have suffered as a result of these dangerous incidents. Plaintiffs from all around the country are coming forward, and it’s expected that there will only be more as time goes on.
