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Santa Barbara Attorney Steven Andrade Representing Paso Robles Teen Injured by Explosion of Vape Device

Steven R. Andrade July 15, 2016

You may be tempted to use an e-cigarette as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, but e-cigarettes and vaping devices can explode and cause serious burn injuries. Santa Barbara personal injury attorney Steven Andrade believes it is important to increase awareness of the risks of using e-cigarettes.

Andrade Law Offices is representing Daniel McClelland, a 17-year-old Paso Robles, California boy whose e-cigarette exploded in his face while he was riding in a car with friends in April 2016, causing him to sustain severe injuries. He was transported to Twin Cities Community Hospital and then airlifted to the Fresno Regional Medical Center Burn Intensive Care Unit for ongoing treatment. McClelland had a hole blown in his tongue and lost a number of his lower teeth as a result of the explosion involving a vape pen, according to the Paso Robles Daily News.

“This young man and his family should not be burdened by medical bills from an injury caused by a dangerous device,” Attorney Andrade said. “E-cigarette manufacturers have a legal duty to put safe products on the market. They should pay fully when their products cause serious injuries as a result of a defect in design or manufacturing.”

E-Cigarettes and Vape Devices Linked to Serious Injuries Caused by Fires, Explosions

An e-cigarette or other vaping device such as a vape pen is a battery-powered device that produces a heated vapor that simulates smoking tobacco. E-cigarettes have grown in popularity since they were introduced in 2007 in the U.S. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that use of e-cigarettes among high school students had increased from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015. But they do have risks. Under certain conditions, the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can ignite and cause a fire that results in burn injuries.

The U.S. Fire Administration, a federal agency, reported 25 incidents of explosions and fires involving e-cigarettes between 2009 and 2014, including nine injuries. In some instances, the e-cigarette was being used when it exploded. Many explosions occurred while the batteries were charging.

Manufacturers of Vape Devices Have a Legal Obligation to Make Safe Products

The manufacturers of vaping devices and the lithium batteries that power them have a legal obligation to make and market products that are safe when used as intended and to warn adequately of any known hazards. The lithium-ion battery has a flammable electrolyte that can short-circuit and ignite when exposed to heat. When a vaping device or e-cigarette battery causes an injury due to an unsafe design or a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be held legally liable for the harm caused.

What to Do if You Have Been Injured by An E-Cigarette

Seeking compensation from a manufacturer requires a careful investigation to determine how a vape explosion occurred and to identify the parties who are responsible. It is important to work with a California law firm that has experience pursuing cases involving defective products.

Mr. Andrade, a highly regarded attorney in Southern California, is investigating vape explosion cases and filing lawsuits on behalf of people who have been injured by e-cigarettes. He understands California product liability laws that apply in cases involving defective or unsafe products.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a vaping device or other unsafe product in Southern California, contact a knowledgeable attorney who will review the specifics of your accident and explain your legal rights. We provide an initial consultation at no charge for victims of accidents.