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Electric Car Battery Fire Attorneys
Unlike traditional lead-acid automotive batteries, newer high-voltage lithium-ion batteries that power electric cars can pose significant hazards. The problem is that lithium-ion batteries pack a tremendous amount of power into a tiny space, which increases the risk of overheating, fire, and explosion in the event of an accident or crash.
When the promise of eco-friendly transportation turns into a nightmare due to electric car battery fires, our experienced Trial Attorneys at McDonald & Cody are here to help you navigate the complexities of these cases and pursue justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric car battery fire or explosion, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.
4
main causes of electric
car battery fires
Thermal runaway occurs when a single cell in the battery experiences an internal short circuit or other fault that leads to rapid heating. This heat can spread to neighboring cells, triggering a chain reaction that causes the battery to overheat and potentially catch fire.
External impacts, such as collisions, accidents, or debris striking the battery, can cause damage to the battery cells or housing. This damage can lead to the breach of the battery’s protective layers and the release of flammable electrolyte materials, increasing the risk of fire.
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) beyond its recommended capacity or using chargers with improper voltage can lead to overcharging. This can cause the battery to heat up excessively and potentially catch fire due to chemical reactions within the cells.
Flaws introduced during the battery manufacturing process, such as inadequate insulation, poor cell assembly, or substandard connectors, can create vulnerabilities. These defects might go unnoticed until they contribute to a chain of events that result in a fire.
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If you or a loved one has been hurt in an electric car battery fire accident contact us today!
Why McDonald & Cody?
The philosophy at McDonald & Cody, LLC is to provide maximum results, one client at a time. We are dedicated to our cases and strive for quick, full and maximum compensation.
Injuries from Electric Car Battery Fires
Electric car battery fires can lead to a range of injuries, including death, due to factors such as the release of toxic chemicals, intense heat, and potential explosions. The severity of injuries can vary based on factors like the extent of the fire, proximity to the incident, and the safety measures taken. Some common injuries from electric car battery fires include:
Burns
Burns are one of the most common injuries in battery fires. Electric car battery fires can produce intense heat that can cause first-degree, second-degree, or even third-degree burns to the skin. These burns may require immediate medical attention, including wound care, skin grafts, and specialized burn treatment.
Smoke Inhalation
The smoke and toxic gases produced during a battery fire can lead to smoke inhalation injuries. Inhaling toxic fumes can damage the respiratory system and cause difficulty breathing, irritation of the throat and lungs, and even respiratory failure in severe cases.
Respiratory Issues
Exposure to toxic chemicals released during a battery fire can lead to respiratory problems, including chemical pneumonitis and other lung injuries. These injuries can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and other breathing difficulties.
Eye Injuries
Smoke and airborne particles produced by the fire can cause eye irritation, redness, and damage to the sensitive tissues of the eyes. In some cases, exposure to chemicals can lead to more serious eye injuries.
Steps to take after an Electric Car Battery Fire
Determining whether you have a legal case after an electric car battery fire involves several factors that require careful evaluation. Here are steps to consider when assessing whether you have a potential legal case:
Regardless of the specific type of injuries, you may qualify to recover damages for your losses through a product liability claim. You must prove that the lithium cell was defective because of a design error, mistake in manufacturing, or improper labeling. Our trial attorneys at McDonald & Cody will handle all details. It is our objective to ensure you receive compensation that you deserve!
Economic Damages:
This category includes compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses to treat your injuries.
Noneconomic Damages:
Some losses affect you personally because of how they diminish your quality of life. These are not quantifiable in dollar value, but you most certainly endure hardship. Noneconomic damages include losses for pain and suffering, emotional anguish, scarring and disfigurement, and implications for your personal relationships.
Several parties can be held accountable for the injuries sustained from lithium-ion battery fires such as:
Manufacturer Liability:
Manufacturers can be held liable if a lithium-ion battery fire is caused by defects in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of the battery or the product it powers.
Design Defects:
If the battery or device was designed in a way that makes it inherently dangerous or prone to fires, the manufacturer might be held liable for design defects.
Manufacturing Defects:
If a specific batch of batteries or devices is found to have defects due to errors in the manufacturing process, the manufacturer might be held responsible for any resulting fires.
Failure to Warn:
Manufacturers are generally required to provide adequate warnings and instructions for safe use of their products. If these warnings are insufficient, they could be held liable for injuries caused by improper usage.
Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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Statute of limitations may apply so don't delay having your accident or injury claim evaluated by our team.
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Regardless of the type of injury you have, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve!
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