The Food and Drug Administration has issued repeated warnings about the risks posed by e-cigarettes or vape pens — not only about health risks but also about burn injury hazards. Following several incidents in which these devices exploded and caused severe burn injuries to users in other states, an event in Texas might lead to a wrongful death claim. An e-cigarette explosion caused the death of 24-year-old man on January 29.
Reportedly, the man experienced problems with his Mechanical Mod pen and sought the help of the manager of a vape shop. He received no support, and the manager said the store did not stock this product because it was known to malfunction. Shortly after the man left the store, the device exploded when the man attempted to use it in the parking lot. The store manager called emergency services who rushed the victim to a medical facility.
Authorities say the e-cigarette exploded in the man’s face, causing his carotid artery to be severed, and he spent the following two days in a medically induced coma. Sadly, the injury led to a stroke that caused his death. An authority at a burn center in another state says e-cigarette explosions cause severe third-degree burns that require skin grafts that typically leave significant scars.
Anyone in Texas who has to cope with the consequences of injuries caused by a malfunctioning device, or the surviving family members of a deceased victim, might have grounds to pursue financial relief by filing a product liability lawsuit in a civil court. An attorney with experience in dealing with personal injury and wrongful death claims can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the ensuing legal proceedings. If such a claim is successfully presented, a monetary judgment might be entered to cover financial and emotional damages.