E-Cigarette and Vape Lawsuit Loans

E-Cigarette and Vape Lawsuit Overview

Uplift Legal Funding now offers lawsuit loans for e-cigarette explosion cases.

A vape, also known as an e-cigarette, delivers nicotine or various marijuana products through an electronic device and produces heated vapor resembling smoke. The primary difference between e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is vaporization versus combustion.

On the market since 2007, vapes and e-cigarettes have risen in popularity. Over 2.5 million people in the United States use them. However, these devices can be dangerous. If you were seriously burned due to an exploding e-cigarette or vape, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. This compensation can cover damages, including the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of quality of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Other losses as a result of your injury

Uplift Legal Funding provides legal funding for filed e-cigarette or vaporizer lawsuits where at least one defendant has accepted liability, or an expert report supports liability.

Vape and E-Cigarette Explosion Causes

Vapes and e-cigarettes incorporate a heating component that vaporizes their liquid or “juice.” Most of these devices have a timing feature to prevent overheating. They typically use a cylindrical lithium-ion battery to generate heat. These batteries hold a flammable or combustible liquid electrolyte. Overheating due to the following factors can cause the electrolyte to explode:

• Overcharged battery
• Puncture of the device
• External heat
• Short circuit
• Deficient cell

Vape and E-Cigarette Lawsuits

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 25 reported explosions and fire-related incidents from e-cigarettes between 2009 and 2014.

Plaintiffs can often seek compensation from defendant manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.

Here are just a few later incidents involving these explosive devices:

• January 2016 in Jackson County, Indiana – A truck driver lost control of his vehicle when his e-cigarette caught on fire. He suffered facial injuries.
• November 2015 in Colorado Springs, Colorado – A vape exploded in a man’s face, causing a broken neck, facial fractures, burns to his mouth, and shattered teeth.
• October 2015 in Naples, Florida – A vape exploded, burning a man’s face and neck and placing him in a medically induced coma.
• October 2015 in Bakersfield, California – An e-cigarette blew up in a man’s face, damaging his face and hands.
• September 2015 in Cobb County, Georgia – An e-cigarette explosion in a man’s face resulted in burns to his hand and cornea, as well as a fractured neck and finger. He also suffered first-degree burns on his chest and face.
• February 2015 in Ramona, California – A man suffered burns and lacerations to his face after a vape exploded.
• July 2013 in Corona, California – An e-cigarette charging in a car resulted in a “blow torch” fire. The victim suffered second-degree burns on the upper thighs and lower buttocks.
• June 2013 in Sherman, Texas – A man charged his e-cigarette for two hours, causing it to explode. He suffered second- and third-degree burns on his hand and smoke inhalation.
• March 2013 in Corona, California – Jennifer Ries and her husband were on their way to the airport when the e-cigarette charger shot out hot metal, igniting her dress. Even though her husband put out the flames, she suffered second-degree burns on her buttocks, thighs, and hand. Following a six-day trial, the jury awarded her $1.9 million in a lawsuit against VapCigs, the distributor of the e-cigarette and charger.
• February 2012 in Niceville, Florida – An e-cigarette explosion in a man’s mouth caused severe burns and tooth loss.
• November 2011 in Greeley, Colorado – After an e-cigarette exploded in his face, a man had to be hospitalized for eight days.

This string of explosive and flammable incidents led the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to ban passengers and crewmembers from packing battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems) in checked baggage.

Uplift Legal Funding

If you or a loved one is suffering injuries from an exploding e-cigarette, Uplift can help. We provide cash upfront to ease the strain of a lengthy case. We provide legal funding for plaintiffs nationwide. Apply online or call us today at (800) 385-3660 to learn more.