A device you use every day could be putting your family at risk. Each year, lithium-ion battery fires injure people and destroy property across New Jersey. These fires spread fast and leave lasting damage. Many come from defective products that should never have reached stores.
Understanding thermal runaway
Thermal runaway describes what happens when a battery overheats without control. Heat builds fast inside the battery cell until the device catches fire or explodes. A design flaw, a poor manufacturing decision or even a small crack inside the battery can start this chain reaction.
Common sources of battery fires
Lithium-ion battery fires occur in products found in nearly every New Jersey home and workplace. This includes:
- E-bikes: Overnight charging can cause large batteries to fail
- Laptops: Charging on soft surfaces can cause overheating
- Vape pens: Damaged or overcharged batteries can explode
- Power tools: Unattended charging can cause batteries to ignite
- Hoverboards: Defective batteries can short-circuit during charging.
The rise in remote work has increased laptop use, while delivery workers depend on e-bikes. More devices mean more risk of fires.
How New Jersey holds manufacturers responsible
Under the New Jersey Product Liability Act, a manufacturer faces liability when a product’s design or construction causes an injury. Proving a claim does not require showing the manufacturer was careless. Instead, it must show the following:
- The product was defective in its design, manufacturing or warnings
- The defect existed when it left the manufacturer
- The defect directly caused the injury
Companies often try to blame users for these fires. They point to warning labels or claim improper charging caused the incident. However, even a hidden defect inside a battery can support a valid legal claim.
When sellers and distributors are accountable
In New Jersey, retailers and distributors are often protected from strict liability if they can identify the manufacturer. However, exceptions exist. A seller or distributor can face liability when:
- The manufacturer is insolvent or outside legal reach
- The seller modified the product before the sale
- The seller knew about the defect before selling it
Many lithium-ion devices arrive through overseas manufacturers. In these cases, a local retailer or distributor may bear more liability for the harm their product caused.
Responding to a defective product injury
Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing risk in New Jersey. Consumers can reduce their risk by checking for recalls and following charging instructions. Keeping lithium-ion devices away from flammable items also helps. If a defective product causes injury or damage, saving the battery and related evidence can support a claim.