A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as the primary component for its operation. Lithium-ion batteries are popular due to their high energy density, which means they can store a significant amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. They can also hold their charge for longer periods when not in use, more so than other rechargeable batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of electronic devices, including:
In most cases, lithium-ion batteries are safe. Nevertheless, it’s important to follow the care and use instructions outlined in the owner’s manual. Common care instructions include not exposing devices with these batteries to high temperatures, avoiding physical damage to the battery, and not overcharging the battery.
Yes, and we’ve written an entire blog post about why they explode and what to do if it happens to you or a loved one. Lithium-ion batteries can explode due to overheating, battery fluid leakage, and/or manufacturing defects.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires. In 2016, Samsung recalled millions of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to reports of battery fires. Similarly, in 2018, a Tesla Model S caught fire in California after a crash, and in 2019, a Tesla Model 3 caught fire in a parking lot in Shanghai.
If you or a loved one has been burned, injured, or otherwise harmed by a device using this type of battery, you may have a right to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Pope McGlamry is a nationally recognized class action and personal injury litigation firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. We’re known for effective, aggressive counsel in complex litigation and have the resources to take on large corporations. All Pope McGlamry cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning clients don’t pay anything upfront and gain immediate access to legal protection.
Even when consumers take safety precautions when using lithium-ion batteries, disaster can strike. Pope McGlamry can help; fill out the form below for a free consultation.