Pond Lehocky Giordano is investigating injury and property damage claims on behalf of individuals who have bought defective hoverboards or other devices with faulty lithium batteries.
Marketed as a “futuristic” and fun mode of transportation, hoverboards rapidly gained massive popularity around 2014. However, the rise in their use was accompanied by an alarming number of incidents involving lithium battery explosions and fires. These explosions resulted in severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life, prompting a wave of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers.
If you or a loved one suffered injury, property damage, or death due to a faulty hoverboard or lithium battery, you deserve justice and compensation. Our experienced team of product liability lawyers is dedicated to ensuring that you have the maximum restitution possible for your pain, suffering, and medical bills. With over 250 years of combined courtroom experience and a track record of over 100,000 successful cases, the seasoned trial lawyers at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP are eminently qualified to represent you in court.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal experts, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
What causes hoverboard explosions and fires?
More and more manufacturers are using lithium-ion batteries in electronic devices due to their high energy density. However, they are also prone to certain issues, including overheating and spontaneous combustion – especially when produced by shady or black market manufacturers. Causes of lithium battery explosions and fires include:
Overcharging and Poor Quality Chargers
One of the leading causes of lithium battery explosions in hoverboards is overcharging. When a hoverboard’s battery is left plugged in for an extended period, it can lead to overheating and eventually explosion. Moreover, the use of poor-quality chargers or incompatible charging devices can exacerbate the risks.
Manufacturing Defects
In some cases, hoverboards may contain manufacturing defects that contribute to battery explosions. Poorly designed battery compartments, faulty wiring, or substandard components can all play a role in such incidents.
Counterfeit and Non-Compliant Products
The hoverboard market was flooded with counterfeit and non-compliant products that did not adhere to safety standards. These substandard devices often lacked essential safety features, increasing the likelihood of lithium battery explosions.
CPSC Recall on Hoverboards
Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has taken significant action to address hoverboard safety concerns. The CPSC announced a recall of over half a million hoverboards, encompassing 13 different brand names. These brands include Swagway, Razor Hovertrax, Airwalk Self Balancing Electric Scooter, and others.
The CPSC’s investigation into hoverboard safety revealed that many of the fires caused by hoverboard battery explosions occurred indoors, posing serious risks to consumers. As a result, the CPSC is committed to identifying the root causes of these fires and ensuring the safety of hoverboard products.
How can a lawyer help with a hoverboard injury lawsuit?
An experienced product liability lawyer can provide critical guidance and support to those who have suffered injuries or property damage due to fires or explosions caused by hoverboards. Ways that a qualified attorney can help include:
Gathering evidence
Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your case and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, receipts, police or incident reports (in the case of house fires or other property damage), and more.
Filing a lawsuit
Your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf, seeking compensation for your damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, property damage claims, and other damages.
Negotiating a settlement
In some cases, hoverboard explosion lawsuits are settled out of court. Your lawyer can negotiate with the hoverboard’s manufacturer, the retailer, and their legal teams to secure a fair settlement that meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions about hoverboard explosion lawsuits
Can I file a lawsuit if my hoverboard explodes?
Yes, if you have suffered injuries or property damage due to a hoverboard explosion, you may be eligible to file a product liability or negligence lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Are hoverboard batteries safe?
Hoverboards have been known to ignite due to lithium-ion batteries they use. While these batteries are generally safe and widely used in smaller devices like laptops and cellphones, they pose a higher risk in larger, more robust gadgets such as hoverboards. The risk is compounded because hoverboards are subject to jostling and have a tendency to overheat. The potential danger they pose is significant enough that airlines have prohibited them on flights.
How long do I have to file a hoverboard explosion lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for hoverboard explosion lawsuits varies by jurisdiction. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to determine the specific time limits applicable to your case.
Is it expensive to hire an attorney for a hoverboard explosion lawsuit?
Many attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case’s merits. Additionally, some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I've been affected by a hoverboard explosion?
If there is an ongoing class action lawsuit related to hoverboard explosions, and you meet the criteria to be a part of the class, you may be able to join the lawsuit.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation
To help maximize your chances of recovering damages for the suffering you have experienced due to a hoverboard product, it’s critical to have an expert product liability legal team involved. Our lawyers manage defective hoverboard and lithium battery lawsuits in all 50 states. We offer free consultations with our attorneys so that we can help you better understand your legal options and the strength of your case. For more information, call Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
