HOUSTON, Dec. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Across the country, e-cigarettes are a booming business, popular with many segments of society. But as their popularity grows, so too does the risk to consumers. Defective e-cigarette products have, without warning, been violently exploding while charging and while in use. The explosions have caused burns, broken teeth, facial damage and even lit users and their surroundings on fire. And their hidden dangers aren't limited to just explosions. A new Harvard study, funded by the National Institute of Health, found that more than 75% of the flavored e-cigarette refill liquids tested contained a chemical called diacetyl, a major contributor to the potentially fatal lung disease known as "Popcorn Lung." The industry is all but unregulated, with few selling these dangerous products held accountable.
However, one recent verdict did just that. In the case of Jennifer Ries v. VAPCIGS, a young woman had an e-cigarette battery explode in her lap while riding as a passenger in a speeding vehicle. The exploding battery spewed flames and hot shrapnel over Ms. Ries's legs, hand, and buttocks, in addition to causing her severe emotional trauma. Attorney Gregory L. Bentley of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP, representing Ms. Ries, sought to impose products liability on the distributor, wholesaler, and retailer of the dangerous, defective product. Following a six-day jury trial, Mr. Bentley obtained the first-of-its-kind $1.885 million verdict against the entities responsible for distributing and selling the dangerous, defective e-cigarette.
Just one week before Christmas another explosion of an e-cigarette resulted in 3rd degree burns to the face of Melinda Schaming. Melinda had fortunately just pulled the product out of her mouth when it exploded or the outcome could have been deadly. Ms. Schaming stated, "I want others to know how dangerous these products can be so that others don't suffer similar injuries to mine or worse."
Now, the law firms of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP, Robinson Calcagnie Robinson Shapiro Davis, Inc., and the Pulaski Law Firm, PLLC "have joined forces to hold those who distribute, manufacture, and sell these dangerous, frightening products responsible for the injuries they are causing across the country," said attorney Gregory Bentley. The firms are currently investigating more than 16 cases of e-cigarette explosions around the nation. Please call (800) 223-3784 or visit http://1800baddrug.com/e-cigarette-lawsuit/ to discuss your potential e-cigarette claim or for other questions you may have regarding this issue.
About Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley
Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP leads the nation in protecting policyholders from insurance company abuse as well as protecting consumers from catastrophic injury for the last 40 years. Partner Gregory L. Bentley is at the national forefront of e-cigarette litigation, including the novel $1.885 million Ries verdict, and is actively working with state legislators in efforts to bring about much needed regulation in the industry. http://shernoff.com/our_news/national-media-outlets-cover-e-cigarette-lawsuit-announcement/
About Robinson Calcagnie Robinson Shapiro Davis, Inc.
Robinson Calcagnie Robinson Shapiro Davis, Inc. (RCRSD) has been a national leader in product safety and product liability litigation for nearly 40 years. Since 1978, when senior partner Mark P. Robinson, Jr. served as plaintiff's co-counsel in the landmark Ford Pinto gas tank fire case, RCRSD has obtained dozens of multi-million dollar settlements, jury verdicts and judgments, including a $128 million verdict against Ford Motor Company; and a $4.9 billion verdict against General Motors (GM). http://www.rcrsd.com/
About Pulaski Law Firm, P.L.L.C
Pulaski Law Firm, P.L.L.C, located in Houston, Texas, has represented men, women and children from across the United States for over 25 years. The firm handles cases involving defective medical devices and products, fraudulent and deceptive business practices, dangerous drugs, and exposure to cancer causing materials, such as asbestos. Most recently, the Pulaski Law Firm and co-counsel resolved $275M in claims related to the faulty GM ignition switch. http://1800baddrug.com/e-cigarette-lawsuit/
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SOURCE Pulaski Law Firm
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