Lithium-Ion Battery Burn Lawyers

HELPING BAY AREA RESIDENTS RECOVER FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERY INJURIES

Lithium-ion batteries have been used for over 20 years in computers, laptops and many other portable devices, as well as electric vehicles such as those made by Tesla Motors. They’re popular in large part because of their efficiency and fast rechargeability features.

But unfortunately, like many products placed into the hands of consumers, such as prescription drugs or devices approved by the FDA, many aren’t necessarily safe.

A case-in-point involves the lithium-ion batteries found in many Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that have caused burns and other injuries to many consumers. These batteries are found in every laptop computer. Older technology included battery packs insertable into computers. These packs contained between 8 and 12 batteries that look a lot like a somewhat larger version of a double-A nickel battery but they are not that. Newer laptops have them built-in and their shapes are different.

WHAT CAUSES LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES TO EXPLODE?

Unlike AA batteries we purchase at the store for common household items, lithium-ion batteries run on lithium fuel, are rechargeable and many are now built directly into a consumer product or device. The devices that utilize these batteries also include software that is programmed to notify the battery when to chemically react, or in other words, when it’s time to charge and how fast.

However, in some instances, an internal short circuit or other defect causes a “thermal runaway,” leading to immediate, excessive overheating and fire. Fires can start spontaneously in these batteries but typically they are charging when they burst into flames.

MAINSTREAM PRODUCT EXPLOSIONS

An investigation into the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones revealed that a manufacturing defect of the software program (one of three consumer product defects) was likely the culprit that caused the fires and explosions that injured many individuals.

The phones have been recalled and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised the public to discontinue their use.

Almost every manufacturer of a laptop has received notifications from consumers of battery fires, some resulting in serious property damage, injury and death. Most of the higher-end manufacturers make efforts to do business with reputable battery manufacturers but not all and even with oversight, the smallest manufacturing imperfection can short out the battery leading to explosion and fire.

These batteries also are used in vaping products. These products are much less expensive than laptops, for example, and manufacturers cut corners using less expensive and much more dangerous products. We see severe injuries from these products.

Hoverboards are another product where price point and quality control have led to explosions, fires and injury.

Many people have suffered burns or other serious injuries as a result. If this is the case for you, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.

HANDLING YOUR PRODUCT DEFECT CLAIM

The attorneys at The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., are eager to help our clients. We have handled many personal injury cases involving lithium-ion battery fires and product defects that have caused injury and death. With over 35 years of experience, we’ve been able to obtain many successful recoveries for those throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California.

OTHER TYPES OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

There are many other unsuspecting portable consumer products that contain lithium-ion batteries that have and do cause similar injuries. Some include:

• Portable electronic games
• Cameras
• Watches
• Hoverboards
• Tablets
• Palmtops (PDAs)

CONTACT OUR TEAM

Regardless of the device, if you or a family member has been injured due to a lithium-ion battery explosion or fire, reach out to our team to learn about potential legal options available to you. Compensation and legal avenues available to you will vary depending on your situation.