Electric cigarette manufacturer could face product liability suit

Manufacturers of dangerous or defective products are responsible for the injuries caused when the product malfunctions. Such injuries include those caused by a fire or a chemical explosion.

Electric cigarettes are plastic imitation cigarettes, designed to generate a nicotine mist when inhaled, much like a real cigarette. These devices are widely used among as many as 2.5 million Americans in New York City and around the country.

Interestingly, electric cigarettes are not designed to help smokers quit, but instead they are supposed to be healthier than actual cigarettes because they contain less chemicals. However, they are still addictive and do contain some dangerous chemicals.

Now, they may be considered even more of a danger. A man was smoking an electric cigarette when one of its batteries exploded in the man’s mouth. The man lost several of his front teeth in the explosion, along with a piece of his tongue. He also suffered severe burn injuries on his face.

The chemical explosion also caused extensive property damage as the exploded battery landed in a closet setting its contents on fire, along with burning the carpet, chair cushions, pictures and office equipment.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to help put out the fire and assist the 57-year-old injured victim.

It is suspected that the battery in question is a rechargeable lithium battery, based on evidence of charging stations in the room where the explosion happened. At this point it is unknown whether any similar explosions have occurred with this type of battery or electric cigarette.

Though this may be a unique story, it highlights how serious the damages can be when a product is defective.

Source: The Boston Herald, “Electric cigarette explodes in Florida man’s mouth,” Feb. 16, 2012