When a device’s lithium-ion battery catches on fire due to defects
Lithium-ion batteries are present in a host of different consumer goods. Many modern electronics contain lithium-ion batteries. Even mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters have lithium-ion batteries.
There are many benefits to using lithium-ion batteries. They can provide more power with a smaller battery in many cases. They offer rapid charging options and can have a longer functional lifespan than other types of batteries when used properly. Unfortunately, defects in product design or manufacturing make lithium-ion batteries a serious safety hazard.
Batteries can start major fires
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat when charging. The risk of this occurring increases in cases involving improper product design or damage to the battery. Companies need to conduct thorough testing to ensure their products’ designs limit the risk of damage to batteries in predictable incidents and should maintain high quality control standards at their production facilities to ensure consumer safety.
For example, an e-bike rider may have fallen off their bike. The bike then fell to the sidewalk. The rider may have gotten back on and assumed everything was fine, but the battery could have sustained damage in the incident. The next time they charge the e-bike, it could catch fire.
Lithium-ion battery fires can cause direct harm to individuals through burn injuries. They can also cause catastrophic property damage losses if they cause fires that damage garages, businesses or homes.
Consumers injured by battery fires caused by manufacturing or design defects may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit. Reviewing the records of a fire and the harm it caused with the guidance of a skilled legal team can help frustrated consumers hold businesses accountable for releasing unsafe products.