E-Cigarette Explosion Lawsuit Lawyers
E-cigarettes can explode in a user’s face and cause horrific injuries. People have reported serious burns and knocked out teeth due to faulty e-cigarette products. The problems apparently stem from defective lithium-ion batteries as well as insufficient warnings.
A Safe Alternative?
“Smokeless” makers market their products as safe alternatives to real cigarettes. Electronic cigarette promoters claim their products’ inhalable water vapor presents a healthy alternative to the cancer-causing tubes of flammable death packed with real tobacco. But e-cigarettes have never been tested for long-term health effects. In addition to their penchant to explode, they may pose serious health hazards which e-cigarette makers have failed to disclose.
Contact an e-cigarette explosion lawyer at Matthews & Associates for a free legal consultation if you or someone you love has been injured by an exploding e-cigarette.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention.
Individual Lawsuit vs. Class Action Lawsuit
A class action may sometimes offer advantages for an individual, but in the great majority of our cases we file individual lawsuits for our clients. A class action is typically filed on behalf of a large group of people in similar circumstances, people who are part of a “class” of harmed individuals. The entire class is then represented by a law firm, with the case for the entire class generally decided upon a single member of the class who is typically referred to as the “class representative.”
Aggregating a large number of people into a “class,” into one representational lawsuit can have certain advantages. Aggregating can increase the efficiency of the legal process, lower litigation costs, and sometimes offer one solution to a common problem which otherwise might not get addressed for fear that the possible recoveries can be so slight that a given firm’s attorney(s) won’t be willing to risk investing in the case. Potential recoveries which are too small don’t offer enough incentive for one individual attorney or law firm to tackle an individual lawsuit. (This, by the way, is why so few attorneys are willing to tackle medical malpractice cases in those areas of the country where so-called “tort reform” has virtually barred injured people from seeking redress in the courthouse. The potential recoveries have been “capped” by corporate-sponsored legislatures, made so slight as to preclude the large investments necessary for trial.)
The problem with a class action lawsuit is that it can be detrimental to many class members who are, by the general rules of class action lawsuits, corralled into a low settlement and higher attorney fees.
Individual Case Basis
Matthews & Associates files virtually all of our drug and medical device cases on an individual case basis. Our goal is always to maximize each individual client’s recovery, and we almost always find that the best way to do that is by filing each individual case on its own merits. We are happy to discuss your individual case and tell you exactly how we plan to proceed.
E-Cigarette Dangers unknown
E-cigarette makers claim it is safe to inhale e-liquid infused with nicotine and other chemicals, but common sense might suggest otherwise. Formaldehyde lurks in e-cigarette aerosols, for one, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. Chemical evaluation of e-cigarettes has not been done on any scientifically valid level. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2014 called for “additional studies based on knowledge of e-cigarette user behaviours and scientifically validated aerosol generation and chemical analysis methods would be helpful in generating reliable measures of chemical quantities.” BMJ wants to compare “e-cigarette aerosol and traditional smoke constituent levels” to inform an evaluation of e-cigarette toxicity potential.
E-Cigarettes Poisoning Children
Alarming new data recently emerged about people being poisoned by e-cigarettes. In Nov. 2014, data released from poison control centers across the USA showed e-cigarettes and their liquid nicotine refills poisoning children at an alarming rate. As of Oct. 31, 2014, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) had reported 3,353 year-to-date exposures related to e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine. An exposure means someone came into contact with the substance, typically by ingesting, inhaling or absorbing liquid nicotine through the skin or eyes.
FDA Reports on Electronic Cigarettes
The FDA acknowledges “E-cigarettes have not been fully studied.” The agency lists what consumers currently don’t consequently know:
- the potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended
- how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are inhaled
- whether any benefits are associated with using these products
FDA further admits it is not known whether electronic cigarettes may lead young people to try other tobacco products, such as conventional cigarettes, which the agency says “are known to cause disease and lead to premature death.”
e-Cigarettes Marketed to Minors
AAAPC wrote that, “Because liquid nicotine comes in a variety of bright colors and in flavors appealing to children such as cotton candy and gummy bear, it is no surprise that these products have found their way into the hands of children.”
In 2013, some 1,543 exposures to e-cigarettes were recorded. By Oct 2014, that number had more than doubled. Most cases occurred in children under six.
According to AAAPC, government action is needed immediately to protect children, for whom one teaspoon of liquid nicotine could be lethal. Smaller amounts can trigger illness severe enough to require a trip to the ER. Despite those dangers, no standards require child-proof packaging.
-
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
-
“I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly”
- Kweli Y.I've been working with Matthews and Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.
-
“They treat you with respect. They support you when needed.”
- Sorangel T.Matthews and Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Billingual service always available.
-
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
-
“I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable,”
I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable, Smart, good with people, answer ALL ur questions, if they don't know the answer, it sure doesn't take them long to get you the answer!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!- Genie S. -
“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
Mainstream backlash against e-Cigarettes
Mainstream media outlets like The New York Times, Fox Noise, Forbes and others have begun to report on the poisonous side effects of e-cigarettes. There are many.
E-Cigarette Side Effects:
- Nicotine poisoning/toxicity
- Accidental inhalation
- Skin/eye exposure
- Pneumonia
- Seizure
- Disorientation
- Hypotension
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
E-Cigarette Lawsuits
Our firm is evaluating potential e-cigarette lawsuits for claims against e-cigarette manufacturers.
If you or someone you love has suffered an e-cigarette explosion injury or serious e-cigarette side effects, contact Matthews & Associates for a free legal consultation.