Fire Prevention Week Safety Tips: Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
From smartphones to power tools, lithium-ion batteries are a large part of our everyday lives. Unfortunately, they also bring a significant injury risk into our homes, especially when handled improperly. As these batteries become more and more common, understanding their dangers is important to your family’s safety. This Fire Prevention Month, our Kansas personal injury attorneys are sharing essential tips to help residents throughout Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and beyond protect their homes and loved ones from lithium-ion battery fires.
Understanding the Cause of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Lithium batteries hold a substantial amount of energy in a very small space. When they fail, they can enter a state called “thermal runaway,” a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to explosions or fires. Battery accidents can be caused by using damaged or crushed batteries, charging devices with uncertified “knock-off” chargers, and leaving devices to overcharge for extended periods.
Even a small battery from a device like a portable radio can cause a major fire, as witnessed in last year’s accident at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. Understanding the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is the first step in preventing an accident in your own home.
Essential Safety Tips for Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
A proactive approach is your best defense against a battery accident. Implementing these safety practices can greatly reduce your risk of experiencing lithium-ion battery injuries. To maximize your family’s safety, our Kansas injury attorneys recommend that you:
- Use UL Certified Products: Always look for a certification mark from a recognized testing laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) when buying new devices or replacement batteries. This is especially important when buying electronics online, as the UL mark indicates that the product has been built to meet specific safety standards.
- Practice Safe Charging Habits: Always use the cable and charger that came with your device or a manufacturer-approved replacement. For example, Apple uses MFi certification for products approved to use with the company’s devices. Charge devices on a hard, non-flammable surface like a countertop, never on a bed, sofa, or under a pillow where heat can build up. Get into the habit of unplugging your devices as soon as they reach a full charge to prevent dangerous overcharging.
- Inspect and Store Batteries Properly: Regularly check your batteries and devices for bulging, cracking, hissing, leaking, or overheating. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) advises storing lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry location away from flammable materials.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Proper Disposal
Being able to identify a failing battery can prevent catastrophic injuries. Stop using any battery or device immediately if you notice it is swollen, leaking fluid, feels excessively hot to the touch, or is emitting an unusual smell. If a battery begins to smoke or spark, move away from it and call 911 immediately. Proper disposal is equally important for community safety. Never place lithium-ion batteries in your regular trash or recycling bins, as they can cause garbage truck or landfill fires. For guidance on safe disposal and recycling options in your area, visit the official KDHE website for lithium-ion battery disposal guidelines.
Your Legal Recourse after Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries
When lithium-ion battery fires occur due to a defective product or because a manufacturer failed to provide adequate safety warnings, injured victims may have grounds for a legal claim. If you or a family member has suffered burn injuries or electrocution, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
During this Fire Prevention Month, our team of Kansas burn injury lawyers wants you to know that product manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When they cut corners, they should be held accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact a Trusted Kansas Burn Injury Lawyer
Navigating a product liability claim is complex and requires experience. An investigation must be conducted to determine the root cause of the fire, whether it was a faulty battery, a poorly designed device, or an uncertified charger. If you have been injured, the Kansas burn injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group can help manage this complex process, from investigating the cause to identifying all liable parties. If a defective product has harmed you, consulting with our Kansas burn injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options.
This Fire Prevention Month, we urge all Kansans to prioritize these safety practices. However, if the negligence of a manufacturer causes harm to you or your loved ones, know that Patterson Legal Group is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
You can reach the Kansas injury attorneys from Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our accomplished trial lawyers have recovered maximum compensation for clients throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Reach out to us today to get the service and settlement that you’re entitled to.
