How to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. Phones, vapes, cars, laptops– and even your portable vacuum might use these batteries. But they come with risks. That’s why it’s important to understand all possible hazards associated with their use. Read on to learn how to prevent lithium battery fires.

We strive for excellence and compassion. Our law firm has won hundreds of millions of dollars for clients suffering from defective devices. If you were injured in a lithium battery fire, we’re here to help.

You can schedule a free case consultation to discuss your legal rights and options by calling (415) 426-3000 by contacting our battery explosion accident lawyer online. Let us listen to your story and determine if you have a case. Read on to learn how to prevent a lithium battery fire.

What Are Lithium Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively recent innovation. They make many devices rechargeable.

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

Vapes and E-Cigarette Battery Explosions

There has been an uptick in battery burns in the last decade. The two main causes are often phone explosions and vape and e-cig mod battery explosions.

A case study from the University of Arizona shows this rise in burns from battery explosions comes from devices catching fire in users’ pockets. This mirrors much of what we’ve seen in clients seeking damages from bad battery burns. These devices tend to melt while idle or charging in an enclosed space.

Injuries from these burns can vary depending on where the battery was at the time of the explosion. Once a lithium battery explodes, victims have little time to react before the damage is done.

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 eventually fire.

External damage such as punctures, short circuits, or exposure to excessive heat are risks that may cause a battery explosion. Overcharging and using non-compliant chargers can also raise your risk. However, some fires just might result from defects in the manufacturing process.

With so many lithium batteries surrounding us at home, work, and everywhere else, the potential for injury increases with each technological innovation.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received at least 208 fire complaints or overheating reports for micro-mobility tools, including e-scooters, hoverboards, e-bikes, and other e-devices. These incidents resulted in at least 19 fatalities, including five deaths associated with e-scooters, 11 with hoverboards, and 3 with e-bikes.

We’ve personally litigated for over 60 clients against brands like JUUL, Samsung, and LG. Contact our Levin Simes personal injury lawyers if you’ve experienced an injury due to a laptop explosion or other smart device explosion. We seek damages for our clients’ pain and suffering– including bad battery burns.

Tips for Lithium Battery Fire Prevention

Want to prevent the worst? Invest in quality products and purchase from reputable brands. Using brand-compliant chargers is a major step in preventing lithium-ion battery fires. 

Third-party vendors, like Amazon, aren’t always authorized to carry official parts on behalf of companies like Apple or Samsung. A knockoff might be cheaper and easier to find, but the difference may come back in medical bills. 

Here are some additional preventative measures to take:

• Avoid overcharging batteries. Take them off the charger 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 types of falls.
• If possible, charge batteries so you can monitor or isolate them in an area away from flammable items.

Most importantly, immediately leave the area near a lithium-ion battery when it catches fire. 

Lastly, contact your municipality to learn about local regulations for safely disposing of lithium-ion batteries. These products can’t be disposed of in typical consumer-grade landfills or recycled. Disposing of these products quickly and appropriately can help ensure they will not cause further damage.

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. Read on to learn how to prevent a lithium battery fire.

Stopping a Lithium Battery Fire in Progress

We can’t emphasize this enough: do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water, as this can spread the fire faster. Instead, follow these steps: 

• Assess the situation and move away from the fire source.
• If safe, unplug the device to cut off power.
• Cover mouth and nose to avoid toxic and often deadly fumes.
• Use a Class D fire extinguisher (preferred) or Class ABC/CO2 extinguisher (if available).
• Move the burning device outside or into a fireproof container if possible.
• Cool the surrounding area (not the battery) to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Monitor for re-ignition, as lithium fires can restart.
• Evacuate and call emergency services if the fire is uncontrollable.
• Safely dispose of the battery at an e-waste disposal center once the fire is out.

Lithium fires are unlike regular fires. They require cooling as part of the suppression process, as simply extinguishing the flames doesn’t prevent the battery from continuing to heat up internally. 

These batteries can emit harmful chemicals like hydrogen fluoride, posing serious health risks if inhaled. Due to the high energy density of lithium-ion cells, the fire can escalate quickly, making it necessary to isolate the device and prevent it from spreading to nearby materials. 

If you have been hurt by a vape battery explosion or similar, contact our personal injury attorneys for assistance with pursuing legal action.

Common Injuries Associated with Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

The severity of injuries people suffer from lithium-ion battery fires can vary. This depends mainly on whether they could remove themselves from the fire or were trapped or caught in close quarters with the battery 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 impacts
• 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. 

For example, one of our clients experienced a severe burn when a defective lithium battery melted through his pants. Cases like these highlight the dangers packed inside these devices and how risky third-party and unauthorized lithium devices are for users. 

Contact Our Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion Attorneys for Help

Knowing how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires is very important. Sadly, we understand this information has come too late for some, as lithium-ion batteries have already hurt many people.

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. We’ve won landmark claims of over $830 million in a single settlement against companies skirting around manufacturing protocols.

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and answer your questions. Let us handle all the legal matters for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Contact us at (415) 426-3000 or online to learn more.