Florida E-Cigarette & Vape Pen Injury Attorney
E-cigarettes and vape pens have become very popular over the last decade, yet these devices can also pose very serious injury risks. E-cigarettes and vape pens can cause serious lung injuries, and they have also been cited for causing severe burn injuries due to explosions. When one of these devices causes harm, it may be possible for the injured person or her survivors to seek financial compensation from the product maker. One of our experienced Florida e-cigarette & vape injury attorneys can assess your case for you today and can speak with you about possible options for seeking financial compensation.
Learning More About Injuries Caused by E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens in Florida
There are two primary types of injuries that are commonly cited when it comes to use of e-cigarettes and vape pens:
- Burn injuries caused by explosions; and
- Lung injuries associated with use of e-cigarettes and vape pens.
Burn Injuries from E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens
In the last several years, thousands of e-cigarette and vape pen explosions have resulted in serious injuries. Indeed, according to a report from Today, between 2015 and 2017, more than 2,000 people required treatment in emergency departments for e-cigarette burn injuries and other injuries resulting from e-cigarette or vape pen explosions.
How do these explosions and burn injuries result from the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens? As that report explains, “e-cigarette explosions occur when the lithium-ion battery inside a vape pen overheats,” based on information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result of these injuries, thousands of people have experienced injuries that involve facial trauma. Some explosions have also resulted in pieces of the e-cigarette or vape pen acting as shrapnel, sending pieces into the body of a person nearby. One consumer had a neck artery severed by a metal part from an exploded vape pen. House fires have also started from e-cigarette and vape pen explosions, resulting in serious burn injuries and property damage.
To reduce the risk of a vape pen or e-cigarette explosion, the FDA recommends the following:
- Only use vape products with safety features designed to prevent overcharging and overheating;
- Store all loose batteries in a case;
- Do not charge a vape pen with a charger designed for your phone or tablet;
- Never charge your vape device overnight; and
- Always replace vape pen or e-cigarette batteries if they get wet or become damaged.
Lung Injuries in Florida Caused by E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens
In addition to explosion and burn injuries, e-cigarettes and vape pens are linked to severe respiratory illnesses and lung injuries. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since February 2020, nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalized with or have died as a result of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). While early indications suggest that the harm may be resulting from vitamin E acetate, which is an additive in some e-cigarette and vaping products, other features of these products may also be causing or contributing to EVALI.
Contact an E-Cigarette and Vape Injury Attorney in Florida
If you were harmed by an e-cigarette or vape pen, one of our Florida e-cigarette and vape pen injury lawyers can help. Contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. today.
