E-Cigarette Explodes On Fresno Bus
Last month a man was injured on a Fresno bus when the e-cigarette he had in his pocket exploded. E-cigarette explosions have been captured on video throughout the United States, but this appears to be the first incident documented on a Fresno bus.
According to Your Central Valley, the bus driver warned a passenger in his 50s that he could not use the e-cigarette on the bus. In response to the bus driver, the passenger put the e-cigarette in his pocket. Video from the bus’s camera show what happens moments later when the e-cigarette appears to explode in the man’s pocket.
First responders documented to charred e-cigarette battery by taking photographs and industry experts believe the battery is most likely what caused the explosion. The passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries to his hands and thigh.
E-Cigarette Explosions Examined By FDA
In a story by CNN, the FDA has identified 14 incidents from 2009 through January 2016 involving e-cigarette batteries exploding, catching on fire, of overheating. At least 50 people have been injured in these incidents and 67 of the incidents involved property damage in addition to the e-cigarette. In a report by from the Center for Tobacco Products, the authors said, “Some events have resulted in life-threatening injury, permanent disfigurement or disability, and major property damage.”
The FDA has scheduled a special public workshop in April 2017 designed to “gather information and stimulate discussion on batteries used in electronic nicotine delivery systems.” The FDA hopes to gain additional information about battery concerns including “overheating, fire, explosion, and other modes of failure.” The agency is encouraging scientific and medical experts to attend the workshop along with other individuals involved in the e-cigarette industry (i.e. manufacturers, retailers, distributors, etc.) to attend the workshop. The FDA is also encouraging the public to submit commits related to e-cigarette battery safety concerns.
Defective Products and Liability Issues
Smoking E-Cigarette
When you purchase a product, it should be safe to use for its intended purpose. If a product causes harm, one or more parties may be held liable for damages related to the accident. For example, if you are injured by a hair dryer that has a defective motor, you may be able to sue the designer, manufacturer, retailer, or another party for your damages.
If you can prove that one or more parties were negligent in causing your injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, disfigurement, scarring, permanent disability, psychical pain, and emotional suffering. Because a product liability claim can involve multiple parties and complex legal issues, it is in your best interest to contact a Fresno product liability attorney as soon as possible.
Call Now for More Information
The attorneys of Torem & Associates have experience handling product liability claims. If a defective product has injured you, we urge you to contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with a Fresno product liability attorney.
Call our office at (888) 500-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait too long to call an attorney. Your time to file a product liability claim is limited by law. Don’t lose your right to recover compensation from the responsible party by waiting too long to pursue a claim.
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