When Electronics Explode: The Hidden Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries power many devices we rely on daily, from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and hoverboards. They’re the standard in modern electronics, compact, rechargeable, and efficient. But when something goes wrong, these batteries can become volatile, dangerous, and even deadly.

Exploding phones, burning hoverboards, and e-bike battery fires have all made headlines in recent years. These incidents are more than isolated accidents; they often stem from defective design, poor manufacturing, or improper safety testing.

At Morgan & Morgan, we help consumers hold manufacturers accountable when products fail. If a lithium-ion battery has injured you or a loved one, you may have a right to compensation, and we’re here to help you pursue it.

The Real Risk Behind Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy in a compact space, which makes them ideal for portable electronics. However, this energy density also increases the risk of overheating, short-circuiting, or catching fire, especially when batteries are poorly made or misused.

The most common causes of lithium-ion battery incidents include:

• Defective cells: Poorly manufactured batteries may have internal flaws that can lead to spontaneous combustion.
• Lack of proper insulation: Faulty designs may allow internal components to touch, leading to short circuits.
• Overcharging or thermal runaway: Without proper charge protection, batteries can overheat and ignite.
• Use of cheap materials or knockoff parts: Inexpensive or counterfeit chargers and batteries often bypass key safety features.
• Physical damage: Drops or punctures to a device can compromise the battery’s integrity and lead to a delayed reaction.

Hidden dangers can lurk beneath the surface, especially in lower-cost or poorly regulated models, even when a product appears safe at first glance.

High-Risk Devices

While lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of products, certain types have been more prone to fires, explosions, or serious malfunctions:

• Smartphones and tablets: Malfunctions during charging or battery swelling can cause fires in pockets, purses, or nightstands.
• E-bikes and electric scooters: Improper charging or aftermarket battery replacements have been linked to devastating fires in homes and apartment buildings.
• Hoverboards: Once a popular toy, many early models lacked thermal regulation, leading to multiple recalls after widespread reports of fires.
• Laptops and portable power banks: Overheating, prolonged use, or poor ventilation can lead to combustion, especially when used on soft surfaces like beds or couches.

In many of these cases, the problem isn’t how the product was used, but how it was made.  

Common Injuries From Lithium Battery Failures

When a battery fails, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may suffer from:

• Severe burns from flames, heat, or chemical exposure.
• Smoke inhalation due to indoor fires caused by battery failure.
• Blast injuries or shrapnel wounds from explosions.
• Property damage to homes, vehicles, or belongings.
• Psychological trauma following sudden or traumatic accidents.

These injuries often require long-term care, rehabilitation, or even surgery, and can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.

Understanding Product Liability

You may have a product liability claim if a defective electronic device or lithium-ion battery has injured you. Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when they release unsafe products to the public.

These cases typically fall into one of three categories:

• Design Defects: The product was inherently dangerous due to its design, even before it was manufactured.
• Manufacturing Defects: The product’s design was safe, but something went wrong during production, assembly, or quality control.
• Failure to Warn: The product lacked proper safety instructions, warnings, or usage guidelines.

In many product liability cases, you don’t need to prove that the company was negligent; you just need to prove that the product was defective and caused your injury while being used as intended.

What to Do If You’re Injured

If a battery-powered device or lithium-ion battery has injured you or a loved one, follow these steps to protect your health and safety:

• Get medical attention right away; some injuries, especially burns or internal trauma, can worsen over time.
• Preserve the product and any remaining parts. Don’t throw them away, they may serve as crucial evidence.
• Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and the damaged device.
• Gather purchase records or product documentation, including receipts, packaging, and manuals.
• Consult a product liability attorney to understand your rights and next steps.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how stressful and draining a product liability case can be. Our team will work with industry experts to uncover what happened and who is liable. We may be able to help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or future earning potential
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

When Products Fail, Justice Shouldn’t

You shouldn’t have to suffer because a company put profit over safety. If a lithium-ion battery or a faulty electronic device caused your injury, we’re ready to hold them accountable.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. When it comes to protecting consumers, we’re always ready to power up—For The People.