Electricity powers many of the appliances and devices that make modern life possible. However, these devices can still be large fire risks.
BISSELL has issued a recall for about 142,000 hand and floor vacuum cleaners over defective lithium-ion batteries. The manufacturer received 17 reports of the vacuum cleaners smoking and emitting a burning odor. Of those 17 reports, six led to the battery pack catching fire – three resulted in minor property damage, and two caused minor burn injuries.
Consumers have been advised to stop using the recalled appliance and contact BISSELL for a free battery pack replacement.
The dangers of battery fires
Lithium-ion batteries may be efficient sources of power, but they’re also likely to overheat, catch fire or even explode. There are various ways a lithium-ion battery could catch fire. They include:
- Physical damage to the battery
- Electrical damage from overcharging or using the wrong charging equipment
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Product defects
Have you suffered burn injuries from a defective lithium-ion battery? If you have, you might have a strong case for a product liability lawsuit.
Filing a product liability lawsuit
In New Mexico, individuals have three years from the date of the injury to file a product liability lawsuit. You’ll need to prove that the product was defective, that the defect caused your injuries and that you were using the product as intended.
The damages from a product liability lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. You could seek punitive damages and hold the manufacturer directly responsible if the defect resulted from their gross negligence.
A defective vacuum cleaner battery that can cause fires and burn injuries might sound like a strong enough case for a product liability lawsuit. But to ensure your lawsuit is airtight, consider consulting a legal professional.