San Diego Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion Attorney

Lithium-ion batteries are the main power source for electronics and devices we use every day, including laptops, cell phones, handheld video gaming systems, and power tools. Even Pacemakers and electronic cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries aren’t without risk. They’re known for overheating and exploding. When this happens, unassuming consumers can suffer excruciating burns and other catastrophic injuries.

If you’ve been injured because of a lithium-ion battery explosion in San Diego, California, don’t hesitate to call Singleton Schreiber. You have the right to hold the product’s manufacturer accountable for the physical harm, costs, and suffering you’ve endured. Our San Diego personal injury attorneys want to help you make the most of your fight for compensation.

Singleton Schreiber is an award-winning personal injury law firm recognized for excellence in civil litigation by Best Lawyers in America, The San Diego Business Journal, The National Law Journal, Super Lawyers, and other respected organizations. We’re local lawyers with national resources and a proven ability to make a difference in the lives of the people we represent.

We’ve forced powerful corporations to pay our clients over $2.5 Billion in damages. Now, we’re ready to be your most fearless advocate, too. Contact our law office in San Diego, CA, today to arrange a free consultation. 

Why Do Lithium Ion Batteries Explode?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that rely on the rapid movement of lithium ions within the cell to create energy. While a properly designed and well-manufactured lithium-ion battery is likely safe, there are times when these types of batteries can explode.

The most common cause of lithium-ion battery explosions is a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where the charge in the battery causes it to heat up uncontrollably.

Thermal runaway can be exacerbated when the battery:

• Is overcharged
• Suffers from a manufacturing or design defect
• Sustains physical damage because it’s crushed, punctured, or wet
• Overheats due to external factors, such as sunlight or outside heat sources
• Gets old and loses its ability to hold an efficient charge
• Short circuits

When a lithium-ion battery or EV battery explodes, it can release several harmful chemicals, including Hydrogen cyanide, aluminum oxide, lithium oxide, hydrogen fluoride, phosphoryl fluoride, and carbon monoxide, all of which are incredibly toxic.

Products that Commonly Have Lithium Ion Batteries

Any product that uses lithium-ion batteries comes with a risk of explosion or fire.  Commonly, these are found in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and even children's products. 

This includes:

• Vape pens and e-cigarrettes
• E-scooters
• E-bikes
• EV and hybrid motor vehicles
• Portable electronics such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones
• Powerbanks
• Children talking books
• Remote control vehicles
• Any other product using aftermarket rechargeable cylindrical lithium batteries or replaceable button batteries

If you’re next to or holding a lithium-ion battery when it explodes, exposure to these chemicals and the explosion itself can cause serious physical injuries, including:

• Burns
• Eye injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Bruising and contusions
• Respiratory distress
• Brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Hearing loss
• Wrongful death

If you’ve been injured or lost a close family member because of a lithium-ion battery explosion, don’t hesitate to call Singleton Schreiber. Our San Diego personal injury lawyers can help you explore your rights and, if appropriate, file a legal claim to help you recover compensation for your injuries, costs, and trauma. We have experience litigating battery fire cases, like the Moss Landing Power Plant fire, so contact us today.

Who’s Liable For a Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion?

In California, a company can be strictly liable for its products if they’re defective. So, if a lithium-ion battery explodes because there’s a problem with its design or the way it was manufactured, you may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.

A lithium-ion battery might be defective because of:

• Poor internal connections
• Impurities in the materials used in the battery construction
• Damaged cell casings
• Uneven electrode coatings
• Faulty separators
• Low-quality materials used in the design
• Mistakes made during the manufacturing process

When you file a product liability lawsuit against a lithium-ion battery manufacturer, you’ll need to identify the defect, demonstrate how it caused the battery to explode, and demonstrate that you were injured as a result. 

What Damages Can I Recover If I’ve Been Injured By a Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion in San Diego?

In California, the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit can request compensatory damages to help with things like:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages and disability
• Property damage
• Nursing assistance
• Rehabilitation
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life
• Mental anguish
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Pain and suffering
• Inconvenience

Punitive damages can also be awarded if there’s proof that the battery manufacturer knew the product was unsafe and put it on the market anyway or intentionally concealed known risks associated with the use of the battery.

Call Singleton Schreiber If You’ve Been Injured By a Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion in San Diego, CA

Don’t worry about how to recover compensation or how much your personal injury case might be worth. Focus on your recovery and trust our California lithium-ion battery explosion lawyers in San Diego to handle all aspects of your legal claim for you. 

As local award-winning California trial attorneys with national resources at our disposal, we’ve helped clients win over $2.5 Billion in damages.

You’ll have a limited time to file a legal claim, so don’t hesitate to contact our San Diego law office for help today.