Can I Sue for Damage/Injuries Caused by a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire?
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries commonly found in many everyday household appliances and devices, including vacuums, electric cars, smartphones, tablets, and laptops. While many lithium-ion batteries work without problems, they are known to explode and start fires.
Those who are injured in a lithium-ion battery fire may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and other damages. Seeking damages through a product liability lawsuit can help hold manufacturers or other parties responsible for defective lithium-ion batteries.
The product liability attorneys of Foley Law Firm serve Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, and can review the details of your claim to help determine whether suing for damages suffered by a lithium-ion battery fire is the right course of action for you.
What Causes Lithium-ion Battery Fires?
Lithium-ion batteries can become extremely dangerous if they aren’t properly maintained or defective. Lithium-ion battery fires can be caused by:
- Overheating
- Using aftermarket or generic chargers
- Charging the battery in a power-strip
- Charging a battery overnight
- Damaged or unstable batteries
- Short circuits
The Dangers of Lithium-ion Battery Fires
Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous because they are difficult to put out and can even reignite days after a fire has been extinguished. Neither water nor fire extinguishers are effective at stopping a lithium-ion battery fire and instead can make things worse.
Often, the fire from one lithium-ion battery can spread to nearby batteries, further increasing an already dangerous situation.
Burn injuries can happen when trying to put out a lithium-ion battery fire or trying to escape a fire. When burn injuries are severe, it can lead to significant hospital time and a long recovery and rehabilitation.
Product Liability and Suing for Damages
When a lithium-ion battery starts a fire due to a defect, it may be grounds for a product liability lawsuit. Product liability lawsuits make it possible to hold a manufacturer or seller liable for allowing defective products to be sold to consumers.
When seeking damages for injuries caused by a defective lithium-ion battery, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against:
- The Manufacturer: When defects occur in the manufacturing process of a lithium-ion battery and subsequently result in a fire, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- The Distributor or Retailer: Companies that sell or distribute defective batteries or fail to provide adequate warnings and instructions may be held liable if a battery defect causes injuries or other damages.
- The Battery Designer: A battery that isn’t properly designed may be prone to overheating and igniting. Battery designers may be sued when a defective design causes injuries.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered?
By suing a liable party for damages incurred in a lithium-ion battery fire, it may be possible to recover financial compensation for such damages as:
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Contact the Product Liability Attorneys of Foley Law Firm
If you have been injured in a lithium-ion battery fire, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your options for recovering damages, schedule a consultation with the product liability attorneys of Foley Law Firm.