Are Lithium Ion Battery Explosions Caused by Defective Products?

Lithium ion batteries have become a very common part of our lives, powering everything from cell phones, tablets, and laptops to tools, cameras, and scooters, just to name a few. Since these types of batteries are rechargeable, lightweight, and can hold a charge for a good amount of time, they’ve become a very popular option for many different types of consumer products. 

But if you think back over the past few years, you might remember occasionally hearing stories in the news about fires being caused by lithium ion battery explosions. Remember all the media coverage about exploding hoverboards back in 2015? Or maybe you’ve heard about fires involving batteries in e-bikes or electric scooters. Some of these stories have involved very extensive damage like burning down houses and buildings. When you hear about these types of stories, it’s natural to wonder whether or not these batteries are safe. Are these fires caused by defective products? 

Whether or not a lithium ion battery is defective depends on what, exactly, caused the battery to explode. Lithium ion battery explosions can be caused by several different things and product defects are just one possibility. All lithium ion batteries contain flammable materials, but if the batteries are high quality and properly designed/manufactured correctly, they can be safe to use. However, if a battery has design or manufacturing defects, that can increase the chances of “thermal runaway” occurring. Thermal runaway refers to a chain reaction that occurs within the battery, causing it to become dangerously hot, explode, and start a fire. 

However, there are other factors that can potentially cause a lithium ion battery explosion which a manufacturer would not be responsible for. Physical damage to a battery or exposing the battery to a source of heat are two common causes of battery explosions. 

Contact a Defective Product Lawyer

If you’ve been injured by a defective product of any kind, don’t hesitate to contact a defective product lawyer. Injury cases involving defective products can be very complex and it’s important to have a lawyer on your side who knows the law and is ready to fight to help you get the justice you deserve. Scott Goodwin Law has helped people who have been in your shoes and we’re ready to help you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation where you can get answers to any questions you have about your case and learn more about your legal options.

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