At this point, you may have heard about the dangers of vaping. Even though it seems like a “safer” way to smoke tobacco and other substances, there are still serious potential for lung injury, explosions, and burns. Who is responsible for those injuries? Does it make a difference whether you’ve heard about the risks?
Common Vaping Injuries
- Lung injuries. The CDC is investigating lung injuries as a result of vaping. Many patients report shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain and nausea. Often, the patients used vape pens to smoke THC products. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic revealed that lung damage from vaping looks like chemical burns.
- Burns are another common vaping injury, often appearing on the hands or thigh. This is usually due to an overheated battery. People can get burned from handling the vape device or storing it in their pockets.
- Finally, some people have been harmed from vape pen explosions. These can be physically devastating. This article describes how one teen’s jaw was broken, with teeth knocked out and gum tissue “vaporized” from smoking with a vape pen.
How to Determine Liability for Vaping Injuries
Determining liability for vaping injuries can prove difficult. Think of it in terms of the supply chain: where did the vaping tool and supplies come from? If it was purchased unaltered through a retail location, it might be easy to find the manufacturer and hold them responsible. If, however, your vaping injuries stemmed from a product purchased on the street, altered after purchase and/or given to you by a friend, it’s a lot harder to determine fault.
In some cases, potential liability is clear. For example, the Juul company has been investigated for its claims that their devices are safer than smoking, as well as their potentially dangerous marketing and advertising campaigns. People who used Juul products can point to their false or misleading advertising as information they relied upon. If you are erroneously led to believe that it is safer, and are injured as a result, you may have a good negligence, products liability, or intentional misrepresentation claim.
If you’ve been injured as a result of vaping, the best course of action is to talk to a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the facts of your specific case, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer or other entities. You shouldn’t have to bear the medical costs and lost wages on your own.
Talk to an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney About Your Case
Have you been injured due to a defective vape pen in Ohio? Have you developed serious illness thanks to misleading vape advertising? I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call 877.944.4373 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney today.
