E-cigarettes have only been around a short time compared to regular cigarettes, but their popularity has grown rapidly. As vaping becomes a regular occurrence in all areas, including places where smoking is banned, there has been an increase in the number of injuries associated with e-cigarettes as well.
An e-cigarette encompasses a variety of different devices, from vaporizers to mods. In short, any device that delivers nicotine is technically an e-cigarette, but most will come in the form of a battery-powered handheld that delivers nicotine through a vapor. Because of the vapor, many e-cigarette users believe that they are safer than the average cigarette. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence supporting this claim. What we do know, though, is that these e-cigarettes may not pose a greater risk to our organs, but they do pose a greater risk for our well-being.
As more people have latched on to e-cigarette use, there have been more instances of injury, from devices blowing up in people’s hands and mouths and causing serious harm or even death.
Safety Regulations
As of right now, there are no federal standards or laws in place for e-cigarettes. Some states have recently begun to place bans on where you can smoke, but overall, there is no regulation as to how an e-cig or vape is made. Because of this, many companies have resorted to using cheap batteries that explode when they get too hot—something that should be of high concern when used for something like a vape pen.
Many e-cigarette brands have also been targeting teens and younger generations, which has caused a recent push for the FDA to regulate the ads and marketing tactics associated with e-cigs.
Overall, though, each time you use an e-cig, you are putting yourself at risk. Without any real guidelines in place, many people could be using faulty pens, vapes or e-cig devices without knowing and if their device should explode or malfunction, the results can be life-threatening.
Accidents Associated with E-Cigs
A large majority of the accidents associated with the use of e-cigs are explosion and fire related. Many claimants have reported their devices spontaneously blowing up while in their purse, pocket, or worse, their mouths. The injuries that occur can range from second and third-degree burns, chemical burns, and temporary vision loss to smoke inhalation, loss of fingers or limbs and even death.
Many victims of e-cig explosions end up in the hospital and require intense surgeries such as skin grafts, reconstructive work, and more. A number of unfortunate e-cig accidents have even left people in medically-induced comas.
What to Do If Injured by an E-Cig
If you do find yourself injured by your e-cigarette or vaporizer, be sure to get medical help right away. Once your injuries are tended to, your next step is to contact an attorney. Without set guidelines in place, filing a lawsuit against an e-cig or vape brand can be difficult and it takes an experienced e-cig attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
There are many reasons someone may want to file a lawsuit against an e-cig or vaporizer company. Injuries can lead to large medical bills, time off work and even death. In addition to personal injuries, e-cigs can also damage property should they explode and lead to prolonged health issues from the chemicals inhaled. If you want to file a lawsuit against an e-cigarette or vaporize brand after an injury, contact Stewart & Stewart today to learn more about how we can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve. For more information, give us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website today.