Lithium-ion batteries offer many benefits when compared with older types of removable and replaceable batteries. They survive many recharge cycles. They charge relatively rapidly. They also offer a significant amount of power compared to their overall size.
However, all of those benefits come with a very significant trade-off. Lithium-ion batteries also have a strong association with explosions and fires. Overcharging a lithium-ion battery, exposing it to excessive heat or damaging the battery, possibly through an e-bike collision or an accident where a person drops a phone on the floor, could result in the battery catching fire or exploding.
Who is usually responsible for a catastrophic lithium-ion battery failure?
Manufacturers could be liable
In many cases, lithium-ion battery failures are the result of poor design that allows overcharging or physical battery damage to occur. Other times, a lack of appropriate safety and use instructions could lead to consumers making mistakes, such as continuing to use a device with a potentially damaged lithium-ion battery. Other times, production mistakes can compromise lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are in products ranging from e-bikes and e-scooters to mobile phones and even electric toothbrushes. If manufacturers fail to provide necessary safety information, do not conduct timely recalls or do not educate consumers about their products, they may be liable for the damages caused when batteries catch fire or explode.
Consumers can potentially pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage losses and other economic damages caused by an unsafe battery. Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a lithium-ion battery with a skilled legal team can help consumers understand their rights and hold manufacturers accountable for releasing dangerous products.