How to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. Phones, vapes, cars, laptops, and even your portable vacuum may use these batteries. But this power storage comes with risks. And understanding their possible hazards may help you know how to prevent lithium battery fires.

If you were injured by a lithium battery fire, don't hesitate to reach out to our Levin Simes battery explosion accident lawyer. You can schedule a free case consultation to discuss your legal rights and options by calling (415) 426-3000 or contacting us online. We will listen to your story and determine if you have a case. 

What Are Lithium Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively recent innovation that allows batteries to be recharged at home. Due to their lightweight and high energy density, lithium-ion batteries work as some of the most efficient types of batteries on the market. They transport lithium ions between a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode) through an electrolyte. 

Lithium batteries are used in a variety of devices that require a lot of energy in a lightweight and compact package. These include things like:

• Cell phones
• Electric toothbrushes
• Rechargeable cordless tools
• Scooters, hoverboards, and electric bikes
• Tablets and laptops
• Cars

What Causes Lithium-Ion Fires?

Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, which causes the battery cell to enter an out-of-control self-heating state. This can cause violent cell venting, extremely high temperatures, smoke, and fire. External damage and other factors can trigger fires as well.

External damage such as punctures, short circuits, or exposure to excessive heat are risks of battery explosions. Overcharging and using non-compliant chargers can raise risks as well. However, some fires are just due to defects that happened during the manufacturing process.

With such a good deal of lithium batteries-based products sitting in our homes, work, and everywhere else, it is important to understand how to prevent these fires. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received at least 208 fire or overheating reports for micromobility devices such as e-scooters, hoverboards, e-bikes, and others. If you have experienced an injury due to a consumer product that uses a lithium-ion battery, such as a laptop exploding, contact our injury lawyers to help determine if you have a case.

Tips for Lithium Battery Fire Prevention

If you are looking for tips to prevent batteries from catching fire, make sure to invest in quality products. Choosing reputable brands that use compliant charging material is the first step to preventing lithium-ion battery fires. Additional preventative measures that you can take include:

• Avoid overcharging batteries by taking them off chargers after they have completed their charging cycle.
• Regularly inspect your batteries for signs of external damage, such as swelling, leaks, or punctures.
• Store your batteries and devices in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Use protective cases for phones and laptops to reduce the risk of battery damage from dropping or other external causes.
• Charge batteries where you can keep an eye on them if possible, or isolate them to an area away from flammable items.

If you are near a lithium-ion battery when it catches fire, immediately leave the area. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water, as this can make the flames even worse due to the electrical nature of the fire. Only if you have a fire extinguisher rated for Class C fires or electrical fires can you use it to extinguish the flames.

Lithium batteries can explode at any time–even when you’re not at home. If you’ve experienced a severe burn from using a phone, vape, or MacBook, you might be eligible for a claim. Contact us by phone at (415) 426-3000 or online to learn more.

Vapes and E-Cigarette Battery Explosions

In the last decade, there has been a significant uptick in battery explosion burns. The two main causes seem to be phone explosions and vape and e-cig mods battery explosions. Injuries from these battery explosions can vary depending on where the battery was at the time of the incident. Many report serious injuries and fatalities have occurred due to these products.

These products should not be disposed of in typical consumer-grade landfills or recycling. Contact your local municipality or government to learn about your local regulations for safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Ensuring that you dispose of these products quickly can help ensure that they will not cause any further damage.

A case study from the University of Arizona studied this rise in burns from battery explosions, specifically from e-cigarettes and vapes that had caught fire in users' pockets. 

This caused significant burns from the chemical reaction and ensuing fire while the user tried to remove the flammable clothing or vape itself from the pocket. If you have been hurt by a vape battery explosion or similar lithium battery fire, contact our personal injury attorneys for assistance with pursuing legal action.

Common Injuries Associated with Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Victims who have sustained injuries from lithium-ion battery fires can range in severity. This depends mainly on whether they were able to remove themselves from the fire, or if they were trapped or caught in close quarters with the battery itself during the explosion. Common injuries associated with lithium battery fires include:

• Burn injuries to the hand, face, and other skin areas
• Broken or missing teeth from explosion or impact
• Loss of eyesight
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of hair
• Burns and other injuries to the groin or buttocks (where pockets are)

Serious burns are commonly associated with lithium-ion battery fires because of the quick chain reaction caused by the chemicals in the battery itself. If you have been injured by a lithium-ion battery fire or explosion, contact one of our experienced attorneys for assistance. 

Our team has already recovered hundreds of millions of dollars from cases involving lithium-ion battery injuries, and will dedicate that same energy and fight to your case.

Contact Our Lithium-ion Battery Explosion Attorneys for Help

If you or someone you know has been injured due to a lithium-ion battery explosion or fire, consulting with one of our experienced lawyers may help. 

We understand the complex product liability laws that govern lithium-ion batteries and know how to investigate the incident thoroughly to establish a solid claim. Knowing how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires is important, but if you have already been injured, knowing how to collect a settlement for your losses is far more important.

We advocate for your rights while taking the stress off you and your family during this trying time. Contact our office at (415) 426-3000 today to schedule a free consultation and answer your questions. We will handle the legal matters for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.