Fire Prevention Week: Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from our smartphones and laptops to cordless hand blenders and electric vehicles. While these batteries offer convenient portable power, they also present fire risks that you need to understand. The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys have seen the devastating consequences of lithium-ion battery fires. Accidents involving them can cause severe burns, property damage, and life-altering injuries. As these incidents become more common, understanding proper battery safety has become more important to your family’s safety. As part of Fire Prevention Month, our team offers the following information and essential safety tips to protect your family and home from the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires.
What Causes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Homes?
Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact space, which makes them particularly dangerous when they fail. These batteries can enter “thermal runaway,” a dangerous chain reaction where increasing temperature causes temperature spikes that can result in a fire or explosion. Several common household behaviors significantly increase the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, such as:
- Overcharging: Leaving devices plugged in long after they reach full charge, especially overnight while sleeping
- Using uncertified or aftermarket chargers: Power cords and adapters not made specifically for your device
- Charging near flammable materials: Placing charging devices on couches, beds, or near curtains
- Damaged batteries: Continuing to use batteries that have been dropped, punctured, or exposed to moisture
- Poor ventilation: Charging batteries in enclosed spaces or in direct Las Vegas sunlight
Understanding the causes of lithium-ion battery fires is the first step in preventing them from happening in your Las Vegas home. Our team hopes that the list above helps keep your family safe.
Essential Home Safety Tips to Prevent Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Protecting your family from lithium-ion battery fires requires specific safety practices. Following the guidelines below can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a dangerous battery accident.
- Use UL certified cables and chargers: Always look for the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark or other certification labels when buying batteries or charging equipment. This symbol indicates that the product has been tested to meet nationally recognized safety standards. This is especially important for people that ride e-bikes and e-scooters, which have been involved in numerous battery fires in Las Vegas.
- Practice safe charging habits: Always use a cord and power adapter that’s certified for use with your specific device. Create a dedicated charging area on a hard, non-combustible surface away from anything flammable. Lastly, never charge devices overnight or when you’re away from home.
- Store batteries properly: Keep lithium-ion batteries at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Avoid storing batteries in hot vehicles, especially during Las Vegas summers or atypical heatwaves. For longer storage periods, such as seasonal devices, maintain charge levels between 30-80% rather than fully charged or depleted. Not only is this safer for your family, but it will also help extend the battery’s lifetime.
- Handle with care: Protect batteries from physical damage from drops, punctures, or crushing. Regularly inspect batteries for signs of swelling, leaking, or discoloration. If a battery begins to swell, smoke, or spark, move away immediately and call 911.
If you or a family member suffers burn injuries due to a defective battery or manufacturer negligence, contact our Las Vegas burn injury attorneys to discuss your legal options for compensation.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Battery Failure
Being able to identify early signs of battery failure can prevent catastrophic lithium-ion battery fires in your home. Stop using batteries immediately if you notice:
- Physical changes: Swelling, bulging, or change in shape of the battery
- Performance issues: Battery won’t hold a charge, overheats during use or charging, or devices power down unexpectedly
- Sensory signals: Unusual odors, leaking fluid, or odd noises such as popping or hissing
- Surface abnormalities: Discoloration, spotting, or feeling excessively hot to the touch
When batteries show these warning signs, they may have become unstable and should be properly disposed of immediately. Do not attempt to charge or use a battery displaying any of the characteristics mentioned above.
Proper Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Las Vegas
Proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for your family’s safety. Never place these batteries in your regular trash or recycling bins, as they can cause garbage truck fires or landfill fires. Some large retailers, such as Best Buy and Lowe’s, offer free battery recycling on a store-to-store basis. Republic Services offers mail-in kits that allow you to dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely and conveniently. Before disposal, be sure to tape the battery terminals with clear tape to prevent short-circuiting.
Your Legal Rights After Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
When lithium-ion battery fires happen due to defective products or manufacturer negligence, you may have grounds for legal action on top of what homeowners or renters insurance covers. If you’ve suffered burns, electrocution, or property damage from a battery fire, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment
- Property damage and loss of personal belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages during recovery
Product manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their devices are safe for consumer use. When they cut corners on safety or fail to provide adequate warnings, they should be held accountable for the resulting harm. Our Las Vegas burn injury attorneys will investigate the cause of your fire, hold liable parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact Las Vegas Burn Injury Attorneys Near Me
If you or your loved ones have been injured in a lithium-ion battery fire, ER Injury Attorneys can help you get the financial compensation that you deserve. Contact our Las Vegas burn injury attorneys today for a free and confidential consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
You can reach a Las Vegas burn injury lawyer from ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our distinguished Nevada injury lawyers have secured top settlements for injury victims in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other parts of Southern Nevada. Call us today to get the legal representation that you deserve.
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