Phoenix E-Cigarette Injury Attorneys
Trustworthy representation when you are injured by an e-cig or vape pen in Arizona
Electronic cigarettes are marketed and sold as a safer alternative to smoking actual cigarettes. But actual cigarettes don’t explode in your face or your pocket. As the popularity of, and the sales relating to, “vaping” have increased, so have the number of injuries caused by these potentially dangerous devices. The batteries of these popular gadgets can explode, causing severe burn injuries to unsuspecting victims.
If you have been injured by an e-cigarette, you may have questions about where to turn for assistance. Not every Phoenix personal injury lawyer will understand the complexities of these matters and how to successfully litigate a product liability case. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to take on large e-cigarette companies in the interest of justice for our clients. We diligently work to provide high-quality legal representation for honest people who have suffered the pain of honest injuries.
Why do e-cigarettes explode?
Vaping involves smoking vapor through electronic cigarettes. The most common incidents stem from exploding batteries, where the e-cigarette power source combusts into flames. Overcharged or overheated batteries may be at fault, as well exposure to cold temperatures. Batteries shorting out after touching other pieces of metal also causes explosions.
Unfortunately, because vaping is a relatively new trend, we are only now starting to see publicity and awareness about its dangers. In 2019, the BMJ published a study about battery failure in e-cigarettes. Based on their data, “From 2015 to 2017, there were an estimated 2035 e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries presenting to US hospital emergency departments.”
E-cigarette injuries in the news
As more consumers reach for e-cigarettes, incidents of injury are starting to garner nationwide news coverage. Here are some examples of exploding e-cigarette incidents:
Burns and other injuries from exploding e-cigarettes
The most common type of injuries linked to e-cigarettes are burn injuries. In some cases, users have been burned even when their vape pens were in their pockets. More serious, perhaps, are the burn injuries users suffer when the pens explode in their mouths. An exploding e-cig can also cause blindness, jawbone fracturing and lost teeth, as well as permanent scarring.
What is being done to keep e-cigarette users safe?
The growing prevalence of these incidents led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue new regulations in 2016 regarding e-cigarettes, bringing the dangerous devices under FDA control. The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), which is housed under the FDA, was given “regulatory authority to cover all tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that meet the definition of a tobacco product.” Per the FDA, that includes:
- E-liquids
- A glass or plastic vial container of e-liquid
- Cartridges
- Atomizers
- Certain batteries
- Cartomizers and clearomizers
- Digital display or lights to adjust settings
- Tank systems
- Drip tips
- Flavorings for ENDS
- Programmable software
Why choose Plattner Verderame, P.C.?
Our Phoenix e-cigarette accident attorneys have the skills, resources and experience to hold manufacturers and retailers responsible when they fail to act in compliance. If we take on your case, we waste no time initiating an investigation into the cause of your injuries, securing the assistance of ethical industry professionals who have the technical expertise to examine the device for design and manufacturing defects. Our attorneys then use this information to craft an aggressive liability claim that protects your rights and advances your interests. We are not afraid of litigation, and it is this commitment that often results in high-value settlements for our clients.
Since our founding in 1991, our firm has helped thousands of people in Arizona obtain justice after being harmed by the negligence of others. Our team of dedicated Phoenix e-cigarette injury lawyers includes Richard Plattner, Frank Verderame and Randy Hinsch, who each have been certified by the Arizona State Bar as Specialists in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation. Our fourth attorney, Nick Verderame, is working toward his certification while providing excellent legal representation to our clients.
Trust us for successful representation of Phoenix e-cigarette cases
If you or a loved one has been injured by an exploding e-cigarette, you may be entitled to fair compensation. These claims are large, important and popping up across the country. Plattner Verderame, P.C. is happy to evaluate your potential claim. We are honest attorneys who spend our days helping honest clients. Call us at 602-266-2002, or complete our contact form today. We handle product liability claims on a contingency-fee basis.