Illinois Lithium Battery Accident Lawyers

Experienced Illinois Product Liability Attorneys Representing Victims of Lithium Battery Explosions

Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries power our phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power banks, and an increasing share of vehicles and industrial equipment. Their energy density and rechargeability make modern life possible, but those same properties mean that when things go wrong, failures can be rapid, violent, and destructive. Fires and thermal runaway events caused by lithium cells have destroyed homes, damaged businesses, forced plane diversions, and have killed and injured people.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of experienced Illinois product liability attorneys is dedicated to helping individuals who have been seriously injured by dangerous and defective products, including lithium-ion batteries. With offices in Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout the western suburbs, we represent clients across Illinois who have suffered severe burns, explosions, and other life-altering injuries caused by defective batteries in everyday products, from e-bikes and scooters to laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles.

Our firm has earned a reputation for successfully handling complex product liability claims against major manufacturers and distributors. We work tirelessly to uncover the cause of these incidents, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue full compensation for our clients’ injuries, losses, and pain. When a powerful lithium battery fails, the results can be catastrophic, and victims deserve strong legal advocates who understand the technical, scientific, and legal challenges these cases involve.

“Lithium-battery fires leave victims with catastrophic physical and financial consequences: burned homes, destroyed businesses, and lives upended by severe injuries. These cases often require fast evidence preservation and complex technical investigation into design, manufacturing, and distribution. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a battery explosion or fire, speak with lawyers experienced in product liability claims. You deserve a full investigation and advocacy to secure compensation for your medical care and long-term needs.” — John J. Malm, Naperville defective product attorney

Understanding Lithium Battery Explosions

Lithium-ion batteries are found in countless consumer and industrial devices, powering modern technology such as:

• Cell phones, tablets, and laptops
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices
• Power tools
• E-bikes and electric scooters
• Drones
• Electric vehicles (EVs)

While these batteries are compact and efficient, they also store large amounts of energy in a small space. When they malfunction, they can ignite or explode, causing devastating fires and injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued numerous recalls and warnings about defective lithium-ion batteries. In 2023 alone, the CPSC reported more than 25,000 incidents of lithium-ion battery fires or explosions involving products such as hoverboards, e-bikes, and portable chargers.

Similarly, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have been increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in large cities like New York and Chicago. The FDNY reported over 260 fires and 18 deaths in 2023 linked to lithium-ion battery explosions from e-bikes and scooters.

Why Lithium Batteries Explode

Lithium-ion batteries fail for several reasons, but the most common causes include:

• Thermal runaway: A chemical reaction that causes the battery’s temperature to rise uncontrollably, leading to fire or explosion.
• Overcharging or overheating: Poor charging systems or misuse can cause the battery to exceed safe voltage limits.
• Manufacturing defects: Errors during production can create internal short circuits or punctures in the battery cell.
• Design flaws: Inadequate safety features, such as missing separators or poor insulation, can increase the risk of fire.
• Physical damage: Dropping or puncturing a device may damage internal battery components, creating a hazard.

Because lithium batteries rely on flammable electrolytes, even a small defect or design flaw can trigger a chain reaction resulting in intense flames, toxic fumes, and explosions.

Common Injuries from Lithium Battery Explosions

Victims of lithium battery explosions often suffer serious and long-lasting injuries, including:

• Severe burns: Thermal and chemical burns that may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
• Smoke inhalation injuries: Breathing toxic gases or fumes during a battery fire can cause lung damage or poisoning.
• Blast trauma: Explosions can lead to lacerations, hearing loss, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Vision damage: Sparks or flying debris can cause permanent eye injuries.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Victims often endure visible scars and emotional trauma from the incident.

These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong treatment, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

Lithium Battery Accidents in Illinois

Illinois has seen a rising number of incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires, particularly in urban and suburban areas. According to the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), local fire departments have responded to an increasing number of battery-related fires in residential and commercial settings since 2020.

In Chicago, multiple apartment fires and residential building evacuations have been traced to overheating or defective e-bike and scooter batteries. The Chicago Fire Department has joined national safety campaigns urging residents to use only certified chargers and to avoid charging batteries overnight.

As the popularity of e-bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles continues to rise, so too does the risk of serious injury from lithium battery failures. Victims often find themselves dealing with not only medical bills and lost wages but also complex questions of liability involving multiple parties, from manufacturers, distributors, to retailers.

Product Liability Claims for Lithium Battery Explosions in Illinois

When a lithium battery explodes or catches fire, victims may be entitled to file a product liability claim under Illinois law. These cases are based on the legal principle that manufacturers and sellers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe when used as intended.

Under the Illinois Product Liability Act (735 ILCS 5/2-621), a manufacturer or seller may be held strictly liable if a product was:

• Defectively designed: The product’s design was inherently unsafe.
• Defectively manufactured: An error occurred during the manufacturing process that made the product dangerous.
• Lacking adequate warnings or instructions: The manufacturer failed to provide sufficient safety warnings or usage instructions.

Proving a Product Liability Claim

To recover compensation in a lithium battery explosion case, a plaintiff must demonstrate that:

1. The battery or product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
2. The defect existed when it left the manufacturer or seller’s control.
3. The defect directly caused the victim’s injuries.

Our attorneys work with engineers, fire investigators, and safety experts to identify the defect, trace the product’s supply chain, and hold negligent parties accountable. In many cases, we uncover evidence of widespread safety violations, improper quality control, or ignored recalls that contributed to the accident.

Compensation in Product Liability Cases

Victims of lithium battery explosions may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress

In cases involving reckless conduct or willful disregard for safety, punitive damages may also be available to punish the manufacturer and deter future negligence.

Holding Manufacturers Accountable

Major global brands and battery manufacturers have faced lawsuits for lithium battery explosions. Companies such as Samsung, LG Chem, Panasonic, and Sony have all been subject to product recalls and litigation after incidents involving overheating or exploding batteries.

For example:

• In 2016, Samsung recalled more than 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide after numerous battery fires and explosions were reported.
• In 2022, CPSC recalled more than 22,000 e-bike batteries after multiple reports of fires and injuries.
• New York City filed lawsuits against e-bike manufacturers for failing to meet safety standards after a surge in fatal lithium battery fires.

These cases highlight the need for stricter oversight and greater accountability in the design and manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.

What to Do After a Lithium Battery Explosion

If you or someone you love has been injured in a lithium battery fire or explosion, taking the following steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical attention:. Burns and inhalation injuries can worsen quickly.
2. Preserve evidence: Keep the device, charger, packaging, and any receipts.
3. Take photographs: Document your injuries, property damage, and the scene of the explosion.
4. Report the incident: File a report with the CPSC or local fire department.
5. Do not contact the manufacturer directly: Their representatives may try to minimize liability.
6. Speak with an experienced Illinois product liability attorney: A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate and preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or altered.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a Lithium Battery Accident

Lithium-battery fires and explosions raise technical, regulatory, and insurance challenges. At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of dedicated Illinois defective product attorneys can:

• Investigate the battery, charger, and supply chain to locate manufacturing records, certification documents, and recall histories.
• Preserve and analyze physical evidence with qualified experts (battery failure analysts, electrical engineers, and fire investigation specialists).
• Coordinate with fire departments, CPSC or NHTSA files, and other regulators to build a record of defects or regulatory violations.
• Handle insurance negotiations and, where necessary, bring a product liability claim to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and future care.

If you or someone you love has been injured, or if you have suffered injuries from a lithium-battery fire, preserve the device (if safe), gather purchase and recall records, get medical care, and call us promptly to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lithium Ion Battery Explosions

Q: What types of products are most likely to have defective lithium batteries?

A: Common culprits include e-bikes, scooters, smartphones, vaping devices, laptops, and power tools. Any product that uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can pose a risk if poorly designed or manufactured.

Q: Who can be held liable for a lithium battery explosion?

A: Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or even the company that assembled or branded the device.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?

A: Under Illinois’ statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit.

Q: What kind of evidence is needed in a battery explosion case?

A: Your attorney will gather expert reports, manufacturing records, recall notices, and physical evidence from the device itself to prove a design or manufacturing defect.

Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

A: Yes. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule, you may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the incident.

Contact the Illinois Lithium Battery Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating a lithium battery explosion can be. Victims often face life-altering burns, emotional trauma, and financial hardship through no fault of their own. Our dedicated team of Illinois product liability attorneys has the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful manufacturers and insurers to demand justice for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective lithium battery, don’t wait to seek help. The sooner we can begin investigating your claim, the stronger your case will be. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Our skilled Illinois defective product lawyers will review your case, explain your rights, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Call our office or reach out online to speak directly with an attorney who will stand with you every step of the way.