Injured by a Lithium-Ion Battery? Know Your Legal Rights

Lithium-ion batteries power nearly every part of our daily lives — from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes, scooters, and vape pens. These powerful, compact batteries make modern life more convenient, but when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.  Are you wearing a smart watch?  You have a lithium-ion battery right on your wrist!

At Drake, Hileman & Davis, we can represent individuals across the United States who have been injured by lithium-ion battery explosions, fires, or burns. Our attorneys have an understanding of how these products are made, what causes them to fail, and how to hold manufacturers accountable.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Fail

A lithium-ion battery stores a large amount of energy in a small cell. When that cell becomes defective, damaged, or overheated, it can trigger what’s known as thermal runaway — a chain reaction that leads to fire, explosion, or toxic smoke.

Common causes of failure include:

• Manufacturing defects, such as contamination or poor design

• Overcharging or overheating, especially with unsafe chargers

• Puncture or damage to the battery casing

• Counterfeit or uncertified batteries sold online

These failures have occurred in:

• E-bikes and scooters

• Vape pens and e-cigarettes

• Laptops, tablets, and phones

• Power tools and other cordless devices

• Smart Watches

Injuries Linked to Battery Explosions

When a lithium-ion battery fails, the injuries can be severe and permanent. Victims often suffer:

• Thermal and chemical burns

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Smoke inhalation injuries

• Property damage and emotional trauma

Recovery can involve surgery, long hospital stays, and months of rehabilitation. Victims may also lose wages or face lifelong scars and pain.  If you go on YouTube and search “lithium ion battery explosion” you will see countless views of these batteries exploding.  Injuries can truly be severe.

Who Is Liable for Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries?

These cases typically fall under product liability law, which holds companies responsible for selling defective or dangerous products. But we also look into who sold the device.  Was it Wal-Mart?  Target?  Amazon? Depending on the case, liable parties may include:

• The manufacturer of the battery or device

• The distributor or retailer who sold it

• The importer who brought it into the U.S.

At Drake, Hileman & Davis, we can work with engineering and fire experts to identify how the battery failed, trace its manufacturing chain, and prove responsibility.

What to Do After a Battery Fire or Explosion

If you’ve been injured by a lithium-ion battery:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

2. Preserve all evidence. Keep the battery, charger, and packaging if possible.  If you have the receipt from where you purchased the product, save it!

3. Photograph the injury and any damage caused.

4. Avoid discarding the device — it may be crucial evidence.

5. Contact an experienced attorney before speaking to insurance companies or product representatives.

How We Help Victims

The attorneys at Drake, Hileman & Davis have decades of experience handling serious product liability cases. We fight to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and future care

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Scarring and emotional distress

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Call Drake, Hileman & Davis Today

If you or a loved one were injured by a lithium-ion battery fire or explosion, you deserve answers — and justice.

📞 Call Drake, Hileman & Davis at 888-644-5802

Our team can investigate these cases nationwide and is ready to help you hold the responsible companies accountable.